Vintage Geek: Original Charlie Chaplin Camera

July 26, 2007

Director, musician, comedian and performer Charlie Chaplin's authentic Bell and Howell cinematic camera was auctioned off at Christie's in London yesterday. The official selling price has not been announced just yet, but the estimated value was said to be around $180,000.

Purchased in 1918 for $2000, right after Chaplin moved from England to the US, this infamous 2709 model camera was used to make many of Chaplin's silent films such as the acclaimed "The Great Dictator" and "Modern Times." If that isn't vintage geekery, I don't know what is.

Source: Born Rich

14 Comments

tdamji 5 years 43 weeks

i'd love something like that in my house. has anyone seen nancy drew? i love the projection room she has, so fancy.

Supermom 5 years 43 weeks

Wow...classic

Supermom 5 years 43 weeks

Wow...classic

lorenashley 5 years 43 weeks

LOL @ 7bits. that thing is huge.

lorenashley 5 years 43 weeks

LOL @ 7bits. that thing is huge.

7bits 5 years 43 weeks

I'm surprised it costs $2000 back in 1918. You'd think that it'd cost something close to a trade in on 2 donkeys and a couple sacks of grain.

pinkflats 5 years 43 weeks

That is definitely worth more than $180,000. I mean it's a freakin' Charlie Chaplin camera!!! It's very insulting I think. Robert Downey Jr. should have just baught it and place it next to his Charlie Chaplin Oscar nomination.

pinkflats 5 years 43 weeks

That is definitely worth more than $180,000. I mean it's a freakin' Charlie Chaplin camera!!! It's very insulting I think.Robert Downey Jr. should have just baught it and place it next to his Charlie Chaplin Oscar nomination.