Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/01/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Back to the topic of fake Leicas. Apart from the serial number on the top plate, are there any internal marks or numbers which will identify one Leica in the same series from another? My favorite pocket Leica is a FrankenLeica IIIc which was assembled from the components of three defunct cameras. The top plate and range finder are from one camera, the body extrusion from another, and the internal mechanism from a third. The camera works fine. If the top plate of a battered KreigsMarine or Luftwaffe camera were attached to a pristine same era IIIc chassis, could it be told as a fraud? No evil plans, just curious. Larry Z On Jan 13, 2009, at 1:01 PM, Leonard wrote: This is where it becomes very difficult to spot a fake. The camera has all the details it's a real Leica II. It most likely is. If original, the engraving and insignia can transform a common $400 Leica II into a collectible worth thousands of dollars. The k version Leica IIIc is more common but valuable and is a target for counterfeiters. Here a $300 IIIc can become a $5000 collectible if done right. Thanks for the link, Peter. Len On Jan 13, 2009, at 7:20 AM, Peter Dzwig wrote: For an interesting discussion on Nazi engravings and a mystery Leica see: http://www.cameraquest.com/kriegsma.htm I wonder if Steve ever found anything more. Steve? ...and for a low temperature IIIc that may have been a Luftwaffe camera see: http://www.cameraquest.com/leica_iiic_k_gray.htm