Damaged Leica A serial numbers

[Dez]

I often see Leica A cameras where it appears that the serial number has been deliberately disfigured. This hardly ever seems to be the case for later models. Is there some particular reason for this, or maybe some accessory I don't know about that can cause this damage?

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Davidhel]

Hi Dez

I always thought this had something to do with people trying to export them? I'm sure I've read some link about them being deliberately defaced....

 

[Dralowid]

Hi Dez

I always thought this had something to do with people trying to export them? I'm sure I've read some link about them being deliberately defaced....

Maybe on those 'acquired' during hostilities but for old black cameras I reckon people just scrape away to try and read the number...particularly if the poor thing has been repainted.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The numbers on a Leica I are very small, much smaller than on a Leica II or on later models. Therefore they are more easily damaged. The numbers are placed near the edge of the top plate. That causes more wear, also because they are not engraved but applied with Woods metal.

Erik.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Hi Dez

I always thought this had something to do with people trying to export them? I'm sure I've read some link about them being deliberately defaced....

If you tried to import one outside of the 'proper' dealers, just the "Leica" logo was defaced as far as I know. The serial numbers were left alone.

One from my collection:

 

[Dralowid]

With Leicas forming an accepted international bargaining currency in the mid to late '40s obscuring where they may have come from might have seemed like a good idea. How many of our precious cameras were 'removed' from their former owners without their consent? Theft or 'spoils of war'?

I wonder how many pairs of nylons equalled a Leica or was it the other way round? ...or a dose of antibiotics, documents, or food, tobacco or whatever. In that kind of environment cameras would be little value.

I knew a man who was on the Berlin airlift, no longer with us. He used to proudly talk about the stuff they brought home.

Black market indeed.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I wonder how many pairs of nylons equalled a Leica or was it the other way round? ...or a dose of antibiotics, documents, or food, tobacco or whatever. In that kind of environment cameras would be little value.

The Dutch author W.F. Hermans claimed that in the war a Leica could be given for a bar of chocolate.

Erik.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Tom Eitnier mentioned a Leica would exchange hands for as little as a carton of cigarettes in the Occupied Zone.

Concerning acquisition of cameras at the end of hostilities in Europe,
Jorge Lewinski mentions that as many as every 1 in 2 of the GIs had gotten his hands on a camera, presumably looted, purchased, traded or stolen.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Tom Eitnier mentioned a Leica would exchange hands for as little as a carton of cigarettes in the Occupied Zone.

Cigarettes were the usual means of payment in post-war Germany. You can read about this in Mario Puzo's great novel "The Black Arena".

Erik.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

If a former German officer had a Leica with military serial number, I think he would have thought it wise to try to remove it.
I have a friend who used to shoot his father's Zeiss folder, a Contessa I think, that was acquired in Germany after WWII.
My Aunt was a nurse at the Anzio invasion, earned a Bronze Star for bravery. When I was young I would rummage thru her extensive battlefield collection. Italian & German helmets which she gave me to play "army" with, parachute flares, German officer knives (which bring thousands now, I think) but no Leicas. I would have gone crazy if she would have had a Luger!