Leica I(c) Calf-skin No. 67655

Leica I(c) Calf-skin No. 67655, black, nickel fittings, dark-red leather body-covering, with a Leitz Elmar f/3.5 50mm lens (un-numbered) in standard mount, in maker's ever ready case. Condition: 4B(iii). Literature: Jim Lager Leica Illustrated Guide , Vol. I, p. 15 and Leica. An Illustrated History , p. 27. The 1931 catalogue reproduced by Lager describes two versions of the "Leica Camera de Luxe," the first the Luxus, and the second a "black enameled Leica camera model covered with colored calf-leather." These cameras were supplied with matching cases, and produced under the code name LEANKALB. Based on the Hahne detailed listing of serial numbers, Leica No. 67655 was a batch of four Kalbleder I(a) Leica cameras: 67,653-67,656 produced in 1931. There were 137 produced in 1930 and 43 in 1931, a total of 180. Leica no. 40330 with calf-skin covering is illustrated in L.H.S.A. "Viewfinder," Vol. 27, 1994, pp. 42-43. The present example was acquired by the seller's father in 1977. Thanks to Michael Pritchard for his help in dating this camera. Fair / Good. Light brassing top-plate edges, accessory shoe, finder eyepiece and controls. Hevaier brassing on the base-plate. Scratches on back leather. Optics need cleaning, some surface scratches on upper element. Although the leather appears to be original and is consistent with other known examples, the possibility exists that it may be an early replacement. Case is Leitz, but from another camera.