[Leica] Dating lense + Leica book

[Xavier Logean <xavier.logean@epfl.ch>]

Hi there,

I'm quite disappointed to have dicovered the list only a few weeks ago
...

- -Recently, I bought am Elmar 50 /3.5 collaps. #1088492, for my M6, in
very good shape.
(it was not expensive ~USD 130)
I ordered it and on the bill there was the number 14447 (with letters
AOCC).
Is that the ref number of the lens or just some dummy number from the
shop?
Can anybogy tell me about the age of this lense ?

I assume that this kind of info can be found in some leica books (that I
want  to
buy for a long time,  but I'm still hesitating)
Which one to choose from the recent one:

Leica m Photography  Brian Bower  Published 1998
Leica Lens Book   B. Bower March 1999 (not yet released)
Identifying Leica Cameras : The Complete Pocket Guide to Buying and
       Selling Leicas like an Expert, Ghester Sartorius ,February 1997
Identifying Leica Lenses: The Complete Pocket Guide to Buying and
       Selling Leica Lenses like an Expert (Not Yet Released.)March 1999

Leica - an Illustrated History, Vol. 1 & 2  James L. Lager , 1993-1995
  (why is that one so expensive?)
And probably some others,

Do you have any advises on good leica books ?
(I am no interested in books explaining how to focus with a M camera ;-)
)

I appreciate your help,

Xavier.

BTW: I joined the group during the "What do real photographer drink ?",
have you ever tried Highland Park Malt in a "pocket-size-metal-bottle"
when you go out for shooting ?
it's magic !