The history of a specific camera

[E M P I R E]

Recently I purchased (via eBay) a beautiful WWII-era Leica IIIb. It was a purchase heavily influenced by the historical record noted in the description.

The description read:

“Leitz Leica IIIb #350821 w. Summitar 2/5cm #524710

Both delivered on May 24th 1940 to Berlin with delivery number 9545*- ex. Dr. Luigi Cane collection, the author of 30 Jahre LEICA HISTORICA: Gewindekameras mit Militärgravuren"

I admit to being far from an expert when it comes to Leica. But I am somewhat of a history geek. So while the lens may be a bit hazy, the thing that amazes me the most is that this was delivered to Berlin during the Second World War a few days before RAF bombers were sent over.

Unfortunately, the camera was delivered to me with no documentation and the only knowledge I have of this camera’s history is the above which was listed in the description of the auction. I should have contacted the seller sooner to ask for documentation but unfortunately things got in the way and for whatever reason I wasn’t able to.

So I suppose my question is, does anyone know if there is publicly accessible records to substantiate the history of my Leica? How would the seller have such information on a specific camera such as the delivery number? Would it then be possible to find more detailed information such as who it was delivered to?

I apologise in advance if the answer to my questions are rather obvious but as mentioned, my knowledge of Leica is very limited and any help would be appreciated.

I'd also be interested to know if anyone else has their own little snippet of history their Leica has seen.

 

[Mark C]

It sounds interesting. Haze is usually cleanable, and I assume this is an uncoated lens which makes that easier/safer.

Is it a military engraved camera? Any military features?
If so it may appear in the book; hopefully someone will have that.

Did you do a Google search for that camera with serial number.

 

[SimonPJ]

Not directly answering your post, but I love the fact that each Leica camera has its own history - often involving changes made to it over its lifetime.

I have a 1929 Ia converted to Ic. I acquired it with a 1939 Elmar, and the ‘updated’ chrome rewind knob fitted to the camera suggests that the conversion might have been done in that year.

It might be thought a shame that it is no longer an original 1929 Ia, but I love the slightly clashing combination of nickel and chrome parts, which testifies to its history as a practical tool.

 

[Dpingr1]

Collectors and authors often have access to arcane records that help them provide provenance for the items they study or trade. Ask the seller respectfully where they acquired this information, and ask for a copy if available, or at least a citation for your own research. As for the claim itself: In the antiques world, the reliability of claims of provenance are inversely commensurate with the magnitude of the claim. Here, the magnitude seems modest: the camera was delivered to Berlin during the war. It is not claimed to have been used by the government or military. It was not Leni Riefenstahl’s or Hermann Goehring’s personal camera. It is only claimed to have been delivered to Berlin, as many cameras were. So the claim seems credible, and all that is needed is the source of the delivery information for your own historical interests. Make sure you couch your request in those terms, and I can’t see why the seller would not tell you what they know.

 

[Vince Lupo]

Contact Jim Lager or perhaps the LHSA. I'm not sure if Dr. Cane is still alive or not (I can't find any contact info for him online), though strangely enough, he did call me from Italy several years ago about a camera that I used to own, and we chatted at length.

You didn't happen to purchase this camera from Jo Geier did you? Reason I ask is that he has other items from Dr. Cane's collection.

EDIT -- I found your camera online. I love that case! I'd love to see a closeup shot of the top portion of it (that is a beautiful historic piece in itself). BTW Jo Geier used to be a manager at the Leica Shop in Vienna, so he is very very reputable and a very nice guy.

I'd suggest reaching out to Jo and asking him pretty much what you're asking here. I'm sure he'll be more than obliging.

 

[splitimageview]

Second Jim Lager. He’s a member here and has his own forum but isn’t active much.

Try jlager100 at yahoo.com

 

[E M P I R E]

Contact Jim Lager or perhaps the LHSA. I'm not sure if Dr. Cane is still alive or not (I can't find any contact info for him online), though strangely enough, he did call me from Italy several years ago about a camera that I used to own, and we chatted at length.

You didn't happen to purchase this camera from Jo Geier did you? Reason I ask is that he has other items from Dr. Cane's collection.

EDIT -- I found your camera online. I love that case! I'd love to see a closeup shot of the top portion of it (that is a beautiful historic piece in itself). BTW Jo Geier used to be a manager at the Leica Shop in Vienna, so he is very very reputable and a very nice guy.

I'd suggest reaching out to Jo and asking him pretty much what you're asking here. I'm sure he'll be more than obliging.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

I did in fact buy it from Jo Geier! I emailed him and received a reply, unfortunately he has no documentation but like a couple of replies to this thread also recommends contacting Leica directly.

I think the entire thing is beautiful - I will definitely work on getting a picture - currently working through my first roll on it so hopefully it works correctly (though it could probably do with a CLA). The only noticeable issue is the speed dial doesn't exactly align with the indicator but I might be able to sort that with a little screwdriver.

Thanks again for all the advice.