Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/12/06

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Serial no. question
From: Vick Ko <vick.ko@sympatico.ca>
Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 13:57:24 -0500
References: <200212061805.KAA04636@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> <3DF0F044.40AA3418@ccs.carleton.ca>

I think it is due to the process of impregnating the number - I have 
been told that the number is
created by stamping the black paint, then melting in a material called 
"Wismut"  (white metal)
into the grooves.

The stamping will degrade the longevity of the area, and I'm sure the 
heating and installation
of the Wismut doesn't help.

Now if I only had the lettering presses for the camera.  

There is one way to ascertain authenticity - take off the shutter cap 
and look inside for a
penciled number - it should match the camera serial number.

I've seen variation in screw numbers too.  

...Vick

Mark Langer wrote:

>I was recently offered a 1a converted to a Standard.  The jpegs indicated that the serial no. in front of the accessory shoe had been sanded off.  I can't see anything else about the camera that would indicate that it isn't authentic.
>This isn't the first early rangefinderless Leica that I've seen with the serial no. effaced.  Is there some reason that this would have been done that is escaping me?
>
>Curious in Ottawa,
>
>Mark
>
>--
>To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html
>
>  
>


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In reply to: Message from Mark Langer <mlanger@ccs.carleton.ca> ([Leica] Serial no. question)