Ensign Cupid Camera Value Guide

The Ensign Cupid is a notable British metal box camera manufactured by Houghton-Butcher in London during the early 20th-century amateur photography boom. It is highly collectible for its unique 'Portrait' slide mechanism and its historical role as a portable, user-friendly device for the mass market.

What Is Ensign Cupid Camera Worth?

The typical price range for Ensign Cupid Camera is $75 - $82 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition of the black leatherette covering and the absence of rust on the metal body.
• Functional integrity of the shutter mechanism and the smoothness of the portrait slide movement.
• Presence of original accessories or the rare E10 film spools which are no longer in production.
• Clarity of the glass meniscus lens and the overall aesthetic preservation of the London-made branding.

How to Identify Ensign Cupid Camera?

• Look for the distinctive metal body construction finished in black leatherette, typical of the 1922-1930 production era.
• Verify the presence of the integrated 'Portrait' slide attachment located near the simple meniscus lens.
• Check for the Houghton-Butcher manufacturing marks and ensure the camera is configured for E10 film size.
• Confirm the presence of the original wire frame viewfinder often found on these compact British models.

History of Ensign Cupid Camera

Manufactured by Houghton-Butcher in London starting in 1922, the Ensign Cupid was designed as a simplified, user-friendly camera for the mass market. It utilized the E10 film size and featured a distinctive 'Portrait' slide that could be moved over the lens for close-up shots. It was marketed for its portability and ease of operation during the early 20th-century boom of amateur photography.