KODAK "BROWNIE ANNIVERSARY MODEL" in Original Box
1930


This was a special camera that was made to commemorate Kodak's 50th anniversary. They were not sold; these were given away free to any child who turned twelve in 1930. Over 500,000 were given away in May 1930, reportedly in only three days time. Kodak's obvious goal was to increase film sales and generate new (young) customers who would likely remain interested and loyal to the brand as they matured.


It is a very simple camera with no aperture choices or bulb setting for the shutter. It has only one viewfinder and no tripod mounts. It was the ultimate point-and-shoot camera – the young owner had no other options.

The covering is brown simulated leather, with gilt-finish metal parts and a large gold-tone embossed sticker indentifying it as an anniversary Kodak.

It is a very common camera today, however because these were made specifically for children, most saw very rough handling and hard use. Excellent examples are very few and far between. This one appears virtually new, no doubt thanks to long storage in the original box (and minimal -- if any -- use). The box itself has some wear but it is still very presentable and certainly much rarer than the camera itself.



This photo was taken in Montana in 1930. The young girl is standing in front of a Kodak store, holding her new Anniversary Brownie. Note the poster in the window, which is similar to the advertisement shown above.

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