Would appreciate info on IIIcK base plate

[lutronjim]

I have a camera my dad bought from an Army Officer that returned from Germany in late 1940's or very early 1950's. It has serial number D.R.P. Num 391427 K Kugellager.

It has a chrome base plate but is gray on top - see pics. I have been told that the base plate should be painted gray and that it has been replaced.

I know that the plate has never been replaced since its been in our family. I find it hard to believe that it was replaced before my dad purchased it since it would have been such a new camera.

Any information I could get on it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rob-F]

Still no answer to this? I suppose it's possible it could have left the factory that way, but it seems highly improbable. More likely, someone with more than one Leica swapped the baseplate from a chrome model, and never corrected it. Maybe the owner lost the original baseplate and substituted whatever was available. I guess the answer will never be known for sure.

 

[johannielscom]

What Rob says. Anything could have happened.

If you want it to match up again, Alan Starkie in the UK is your man. He can de-chrome the current baseplate and paint it the correct way to match the camera. Google the man for his web site. He's a wizard, he might be able to get that nasty dent out too.
Any wear, you will have to put on it yourself by shooting the camera 😉