Leica M3 Queen Elisabeth

On October 20, 1958, Federal President Theodor Heuss of the Federal Republic of Germany arrived in the United Kingdom, marking the first official state visit by a German head of state since the end of World War II. The four-day visit, which concluded on October 23, was a symbolic step toward post-war reconciliation. One of the most notable moments was President Heuss’s formal meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.
To mark the occasion, Leica was commissioned to produce a special edition of its M3 camera as a diplomatic gift for the Queen. This unique model featured the royal cypher “E II R” engraved on the top plate, with a commemorative inscription on the base plate reading:
“Ihrer Majestät Königin Elisabeth II – 20. Oktober 1958 – Theodor Heuss”
The camera offered here is the original backup unit, made alongside the gifted version and retained by the Leica factory in case a replacement was ever needed. It has remained in excellent condition and is fully operational. Interestingly, it comes fitted with a close-focus Summicron lens that lacks a serial number, suggesting it may be a prototype or pre-production sample.