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Envelopes of leica camera literature


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One of the enjoyable sidelights of collecting early leica cameras is that sometimes they are accompanied by original literature such as instructions, price lists or brochures. These envelopes may have been handed to the customer after the sale, as they are too large to fit into the red velvet boxes for the camera.  I am not sure if or how this happened in other countries, but I will show the evolution of the Leitz New York envelope that was used in the USA. I would like to know if a similar packet was delivered with the camera in other countries, but I expect so. Unlikely the camera was delivered without instructional material and a chance to sell more accessories.

The first photo shows a sample of envelops from 1930 to 1950.  Upper left, camera 42864, model A from 1930, upper right is camera 116012 and a model D is on the envelope, lower left, camera 199634 and a model F is shown, lower right, camera is 453501 and the photo on the envelope is a postwar IIIc with 127 Wollensak lens.   Also, I have an envelope for camera 321741and the photo on the front is a model IIIa with Xenon lens.  The early envelopes state they contain both "Literature and Directions" while later versions just say "Directions".

The socond photo shows typical contents including warrentee certificate, price lists, accessories lists, lens tables and so on.  This photo shows a typewritten instruction for a model D and states the directions manual is still in preparation.

All envelopes have a place to write in the camera serial number.  So, we have a transition from model A, D, F, G, IIIc,  was there an envelop for the B,C,E, and perhaps the prewar IIIc was too close to the war for New York.  From about 1937, the familiar 3 part instruction manual was included.

Does anyone have similar envelopes from Europe?  I guess this was all part of marketing the brand and customer service.

 

It is quite pleasing to occassionally find a camera with its originally delivered literature.

Regards,

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The only envelop I have, and restored at the time, that I got is containing a letter in answer and all the literature from Leitz photo products available in 1951, addressed to an US Army Captain in the occupied force in Germany.
I have to add that was a gift from an US citizen member of this forum.

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Found a packet from 1957, with a M3 on the cover.  So, now we have a continuation from 1930 to 1957,   The camera listed, 868954 is a IIIg.

 

 

 

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Thank you "paper enthusiasts" for sharing these pictures. I especially like the wide assortment of literature that came in the Leica D envelope (I assume it was for #116012, Alan?).

To me the paper "software" is as interesting as the "hardware" = cameras, lenses and accessories. Few people throw out hardware, but paper is usually the first thing that gets lost or thrown away. Certainly a prewar camera with all its original literature is very rare, and even postwar complete outfits are very unusual.

In that case it's up to us paper enthusiasts to save as much old paper as we can, and possibly (1 in a million chance?) re-unite the paperwork (with serial numbers marked) with its original camera. I live in hope ...

Later this Spring I will dig out my two or three literature envelopes and contribute pictures of their contents, to add to this topic.

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I don't have envelopes to show but I have a fairly complete collection of original Leica handbooks going from the pre-war models up to the M6 which I bought as a 'job lot' from a well known general camera collector some years ago. In addition, I have some specific material provided with a camera in the 1930s by the well known London dealer, James A Sinclair, which I have shown on another thread. Link here http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/271520-england-leather-case-for-leica-iii-with-scnoo/?p=3259210.

 

William

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