Authentic Leica Luftwaffen-eigentum ?

[John Li]

Hi All,

I come across this IIIc engraved with Luftwaffen-eigentum with a Summitar f/2 lens. Is this authentic?

From https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summitar_f=_5_cm_1:2 can see that the SN 552731 is within the range assigned to Luftwaffen.

SN Start SN End Product Year Total
550501 555500 Summitar f= 5 cm 1:2 (Luftwaffen) 1940 5000

Engraving on the top plate looks legit. Anyway to verify its authenticity?





- John.

 

[peterm1]

Hi All,

I come across this IIIc engraved with Luftwaffen-eigentum with a Summitar f/2 lens. Is this authentic?

From https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summitar_f=_5_cm_1:2 can see that the SN 552731 is within the range assigned to Luftwaffen.

SN Start SN End Product Year Total
550501 555500 Summitar f= 5 cm 1:2 (Luftwaffen) 1940 5000

Engraving on the top plate looks legit. Anyway to verify its authenticity?

- John.

The words and more particularly the lettering style and position on the body look authentic to me based on pictures of some samples I have seen. (Though I have also seen some Leicas with the Luftwaffen Eigentum engraved on the vulcanite). But I am far from an expert on this type of Leica esoterica and these things are often faked as I am sure you know from your question. One thing I can say is that the features of the camera body look right and not like a Russian knock off which are ultra obvious fakes when you know what to look for. However could it be a genuine Leica 111C that has been engraved to produce a fake?

I found this thread (link below) in which the poster says he is a collector and the 111c in it is confirmed as authentic, having been ".....Delivered to the Luftwaffe on 15.10.1940". The serial number on that body is 364474. The serial on the body you have asked about is 365599. They seem to be within a similar range which would appear on the face of it to bode well. Oh and you may wish to check, if you can, the shutter curtain color - some war time 111cs used red instead of the more conventional black coated fabric due to supply issues. Though black was used as well at certain times, red curtains would suggest a greater likelihood of authenticity to me.

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/field...leica-iiic-luftwaffen-eigentum-camera-684542/

The subject has come up before and here are some threads over at Photo net and Leica Forum which may help (I have not had time to study them):

https://www.google.com/search?q=how...KEwjUwb3Mkf7hAhVUT30KHbyLASsQrQIoBDACegQIBRAN

https://www.google.com/search?q=how...KEwjUwb3Mkf7hAhVUT30KHbyLASsQrQIoAzABegQIBBAM

 

[John Li]

Thanks Peter !

The original red curtain has been replaced with the standard black by previous owner [ so she can used the camera to shoot ].

Original red curtain was include with the camera.

- John.

 

[splitimageview]

Looks legit. Email Lager and he can provide delivery details.

Cameraworks-uk.com can restore red curtains on authentic originals.

 

[John Li]

Have emailed Jim. Will update the thread once receive confirmation from Jim!

 

[Rob-F]

I see nothing suspicious. Definitely a Leica, and I have no reason to suspect the German Air Force engraving was added later. Not hat I would want one, since it has unpleasant associations.

 

[Vince Lupo]

Serial #365599 delivered 12-11-40 on shipment 19482. 79 cameras in that particular batch.