Luftwaffen-Eigentum. Is this model authentic?

[christopherswink]

FWIW: There are only three IIIa cameras listed in the Cane list of LTM cameras with military engravings. The serial numbers are 315353 to 315355 ( the earliest serial numbers in the whole list). However, as far as I understand, it is not clear whether these three cameras have original military engravings. Fl. No. 38081 is not mentioned in the list.

Thank you.

 

[christopherswink]

Thanks for the updates!

you’re welcome

 

[splitimageview]

Someone skilled at engraving but not knowledgeable about the details to engrave the correct number or the correct model…

 

[christopherswink]

The lens has a serial number on the front in the black paint ring. It is in plain sight there. Just too un-detailed to read. It is often missed on these collapsible Elmars.

Also, I'm with Robert here on this possibly being genuine.
I find it pretty typical that on both his camera and yours, the letters that appear twice ( U, T and E in Luftwaffen - eigentum) are very slightly different. Those engravings were done by hand and a forger would probably have succeeded in getting them exactly similar, or not that similar at all.
The slight amount in which they differ, makes me think they were engraved by the same person.

Sorry. I’m old and a little slow at times. Are you saying that you think that it is possible that the same person engraved Robert’s and mine? Well. That would make mine authentic the I am assuming. And assuming that could be proven.