Chaplin camera to be auctioned

LONDON, July 22 (UPI) -- A cinematic camera used by Charlie Chaplin is expected to bring more than $180,000 when it is auctioned Wednesday at Christie's in London.

Chaplin paid $2,000 for the Bell and Howell 2709 in 1918 just one month after he and his brother Sydney founded Chaplin Studios International, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Chaplin, the Oscar-winning director of classics such as "The Great Dictator" and "Modern Times," made his screen debut in 1914 and was knighted at age 85 for his genius in movie-making.

Chaplin's career spanned 65 years, earning him one Academy Award and two honorary Oscars.