my Black Leica M2

[M2PHOTOS]

Hello Everyone,
The M2 has original black paint and was never restored.
What is the best method for me to sell my camera?
Do you know anyone who buys cameras?

 

[splitimageview]

best method: Classifieds on this site of course. 😀

That looks too pristine to be original. What’s the s/n? Can’t quite make it out…

 

[Retro-Grouch]

For a highly desirable collectible such as this, in nice condition, I would contact Tamarkin Camera. I've dealt with them, and find that they are utterly trustworthy and of the highest integrity.

 

[Erik van Straten]

It can be originally a chrome camera that is made black in later times. Then the painting can be done by Leitz. I would like to see more pictures of the camera. The early M2's do not have a selftimer.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Is that a 118 or 119k serial # ?

 

[M2PHOTOS]

Keep it coming. Thank you to those who replied. If you can, DM me, so we can continue our conversation.
It is 100% original - M2 BLACK STARTING ENDING BATCH 1162401-1162450

 

[x-ray]

I believe the number 11(6 or 8)2447(?).

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Is that a 118 or 119k serial # ?

It couldn't be either and be an original serial number.
To the OP - sorry to burst your bubble, but there's no way that's original BP!

From Steve Gandy's site:

12/19/1958​	M2 Black	948601​	949100​	500​
3/21/1960​	M2 Black	990501​	990750​	250​
8/18/1961​	M2 Black	1031801​	1032000​	200​
5/11/1962​	M2 Black	1043801​	1044000​	200​
7/5/1960​	M2 Black with self timer.	1005101​	1005350​	250​
10/24/1962​	M2 Black	1053101​	1053250​	150​
8/5/1963​	M2 Black	1075001​	1075300​	300​
4/8/1964​	M2 Black	1093501​	1093750​	250​
8/18/1965​	M2 Black	1130001​	1130300​	300​
11/24/1966​	M2 Black	1162401​	1162450​	50​
7/12/1968​	M2 Black	1207000​	1207000​	1​
​	Total M2 Black	​	​	2451​

 

[x-ray]

If it’s 1162447 it falls in a block of 50 produced in 1966.

Could certainly be authentic.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

If it’s 1162447 it falls in a block of 50 produced in 1966.

Could certainly be authentic.

If it's been used at all there would be some wear on the controls - unless it's been sitting in a box for 50+ years.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

It couldn't be either and be an original serial number.
To the OP - sorry to burst your bubble, but there's no way that's original BP!

From Steve Gandy's site:

12/19/1958​	M2 Black	948601​	949100​	500​
3/21/1960​	M2 Black	990501​	990750​	250​
8/18/1961​	M2 Black	1031801​	1032000​	200​
5/11/1962​	M2 Black	1043801​	1044000​	200​
7/5/1960​	M2 Black with self timer.	1005101​	1005350​	250​
10/24/1962​	M2 Black	1053101​	1053250​	150​
8/5/1963​	M2 Black	1075001​	1075300​	300​
4/8/1964​	M2 Black	1093501​	1093750​	250​
8/18/1965​	M2 Black	1130001​	1130300​	300​
11/24/1966​	M2 Black	1162401​	1162450​	50​
7/12/1968​	M2 Black	1207000​	1207000​	1​
​	Total M2 Black	​	​	2451​

Got that.... the 3rd digit looked like an 8 or 9 to me..... & i agree.... not original BP if that's the #. I've owned an original. Also the paint has no bubbles...absolutely no wear.....

 

[x-ray]

After 60 years I’d think there would be some oxidation of the paint even if it had been stored in environmentally controlled conditions. If the number I’m seeing is correct then it was black when it left the factory. Not to say it’s a forgery, there are new parts like blank tops that can be engraved and painted. On the other hand an authentic camera in pristine condition with a coat of museum wax (Renaissance wax) can make something look like new. Collectors of high value antique firearms use it to preserve the finish.

 

[x-ray]

I’ve read that there are serial numbers internally. Is that correct? If so they should match.

 

[splitimageview]

Keep it coming. Thank you to those who replied. If you can, DM me, so we can continue our conversation.
It is 100% original - M2 BLACK STARTING ENDING BATCH 1162401-1162450

With only 2 posts you won't be able to have a private conversation. 🙂

In addition, threads with items for sale are not allowed -- you'll need to post a classified ad. You can include your email address in the ad to communicate with interested parties.

Therefore, please continue to discuss the camera here, as it appears to be a special piece, but this topic is not for entertaining offers.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

After 60 years I’d think there would be some oxidation of the paint even if it had been stored in environmentally controlled conditions. If the number I’m seeing is correct then it was black when it left the factory. Not to say it’s a forgery, there are new parts like blank tops that can be engraved and painted. On the other hand an authentic camera in pristine condition with a coat of museum wax (Renaissance wax) can make something look like new. Collectors of high value antique firearms use it to preserve the finish.

My thoughts exactly.

As to matching numbers internally, Leica stopped that practice in around 1959.

 

[M2PHOTOS]

Got it. Sorry about that splitimage.
Thank you for all of your replies.
The camera is 1 of 50 & was in storage for +50 years. It's 100% original. I have the purchase paperwork. I took some pictures and the baby is going back to bed lol 😉

 

[x-ray]

If I were you and wanted top dollar I’d take it to Tamarkin. I believe he’s in Chicago now and he’s to Christie’s of Leica auctions. If he says it 100% original his word in the collecting world is gold.

I couldn’t estimate the value given it being 100% as new but can say it will fetch good money. It’s not a pristine original MP, and I’ve seen one, but it’s rare and very valuable wit collectors especially if you have the box and it and the full documentation is pristine. Collectors want pristine in the box with all documents and will pay huge for it.

I was going to say that times aren’t great right now for collectible cameras but the kind of buyer for your camera wouldn’t be pressed for cash. It would be pocket change.

 

[x-ray]

I looked at a source that often has very rare Leicas like the pristine MP. Setadel Studios in Canada is a good reference for rare items although I don’t think I’d trust him to sell or buy my camera. I’ve done some business with him and had mixed experiences.

Currently he has a well worn original black button rewind M2 for $69,995 US. I found another very worn one for just under $40,000. Now guesstimate the value without the box but with documents and you may be well north of $100,000-$125,000.

Good luck with it.

 

[raydm6]

Interesting article. How do you authenticate provenance? Would love to see more angles and the original paperwork.

The Coming Crash of the Black Paint Leica Market | Leicaphilia

It looks "too new" and fresh for my eyes but I'm no expert. Even though it appears to have been stored in favorable conditions, wouldn't the top-plate script yellow a bit over time?

GLWS if you do list it.

 

[splitimageview]

That article from 2016 wasn't very prophetic, prices of black paint M4s, just for example, are about 3x today. 😀

Serious collectors aren't going to be fooled.