Tamarkin & Bertoldi Launch Rare Auction Business

Stan Tamarkin, renowned Leica expert, retailer and historian, along with partner Dean Bertoldi, award winning designer, professional photographer and marketer, are proud to introduce Tamarkin & Bertoldi Vintage Auctions LLC, an auction company dedicated to providing vintage photographic and horologic products to collectors and investors worldwide. Their combined expertise will be used to expand on the already successful Tamarkin Photographica—a rare camera auction business started by Stan in 1996. Stan and Dean will remain committed to providing personal service, appraisals and guidance to both sellers and buyers of their investment quality offerings.

For collectors, the beauty and rarity of Leicas—particularly the older film-based models—make them highly desirable. “Many people who collect watches and guns collect Leicas,” says Tamarkin, adding that the most collectible Leica is the O Series. Tamarkin says that just twenty-nine of these cameras were made in the 1920’s, and they can fetch over $1,000,000 today, depending on condition and bidder motivation. Tamarkin helped sell one of Barnack’s personal cameras, which went for over $300,000, he says. The second most collectible? “The Leica 250 Reporter with the motor drive,” says Tamarkin. Cost? Between $100,000 and $150,000.

The launching of Tamarkin & Bertoldi Vintage Auctions marks Stan Tamarkin’s retirement from the retail camera market. Stan started Leica collecting in 1971, while completing a Ph.D. at Yale University, and eventually became a franchised Leica dealer in 1987. After twenty-five years as a Leica retail specialist, he is transferring ownership of Tamarkin Camera to his “Leica enthusiastic” son, Dan, who will be relocating the business to Chicago.

The Tamarkin & Bertoldi auctions of rare cameras, lenses, and accessories are held twice a year, online, in the spring and fall, in Woodbridge, Connecticut. Their auction catalogs are used worldwide as a reference tool and price guide, and are an excellent way to keep up with current pricing and trends. The fully illustrated, color catalogue #28 is available upon request—contact us at info@tbvintage.com or 203-397-9191 to receive your copy. To be a participant in the next auction, visit the website at www.tbvintage.com for buyer and seller specific information.

COMMENTS
Mallory's picture

This is good news. I am glad that they brought up this kind of initiatives. - Mallory Fleming

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