Leica LTM Leica IIIb with "S-T" engraved on the top plate

[Sandwick]

I was looking at a well worn Leica IIIb yesterday and on the top plate engraving, between the usual lines that say D.R.P. and Ernst Leitz, there is a further engraving in block capitals that reads, "S-T". It looks as if it's squeezed into what is the normal gap between the other lines. I'm curious as to what this might signify....... and I'm bracing myself for the embarrassment if the answer turns out to be really obvious! Anyone know?

I actually found a picture of a similar camera with the same engraving from an auction at Christie's, you can just about make out the S-T on the top plate: http://www.christie.com.cn/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4200637

 

[ferider]

S-T stands for "Spécialité Tiranty"; have a look here: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Tiranty.

 

[maddoc]

Maybe this one:

"S-T" - SpecialitÈ Tiranty, Leica distributor for France.

This was engraved by the factory for the distributor." (Leica User Group, 30/04/2000)

EDIT: Roland was faster !

 

[Sandwick]

I never cease to be amazed at the level of knowledge that abounds here. Thank you, gentlemen, now I know!

 

[LeicaTom]

Being a Tiranty camera (Sold in Occupied Paris) it was more than likely 100% used hard during WW2............ I once owned a 1940 Leica IIIC NL which was the engraving for Leitz Odin Netherlands, camera was sold in occupied Holland.
(the camera was most surely bought by a German Officer and used hard, then captured by an American GI.)

See if it has a lens that matches and that would be a very nice and rare collectable find.

Tom

 

[Sandwick]

Thank you, Tom. The 1939 IIIb in question has neither a matching lens nor any identified history (although no doubt it's had an interesting and eventful life). Lots of worn chrome. I don't think it's destined to be mine.