Leitz Auction
Starting Price €30,000.00
Estimate
€60,000.00 – 70,000
€60,000.00 – 70,000
This item is subject to margin scheme taxation and the premium is 24% if it remains in the EU. For shipments to a third country (outside the EU), the premium is 20%.
Bidding for this Auction
starts on October 29th.
starts on October 29th.
serial number
927716
Condition
B
Manufacture Year
1961
Product number
A03760
Very rare early version olive-paint Leica M3 ‘Bundeseigentum’ with long strap lugs, early vulcanite pattern and single-stroke advance. The camera is preserved in beautiful original condition, showing an attractive patina with characteristic bubbling to the paint. The top plate is engraved ‘Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418’ and bears the ‘BWB 645’ sticker. With body cap.
Following the establishment of the West German Bundeswehr in the mid-1950s, Leica M cameras formed an important part of the 35mm photographic equipment supplied to the armed forces. Particularly rare are the olive-painted Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models. Fewer than 300 Leica M3 cameras were produced in this finish. The offered example was delivered on 25 October 1961.
Following the establishment of the West German Bundeswehr in the mid-1950s, Leica M cameras formed an important part of the 35mm photographic equipment supplied to the armed forces. Particularly rare are the olive-painted Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models. Fewer than 300 Leica M3 cameras were produced in this finish. The offered example was delivered on 25 October 1961.