1935, chrome, serial no. 166641, with Leitz Summar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 227052, body, F, shutter working, lens, VG, some light internal haze

Provonence:

Letter to Mr J. Stamp from B. G. Horstmann - 28th November 1977

"Dear Mr. Stamp

re:Leica 3A No.166641

Thank you for your letter regarding the above camera.

The camera and the Summar f/2. lens to which you refer were given to me by Herr Rudolph Hess during the winter of 1936/37 when I was staying in Hindelang (the old province of Allgaii) for winter sports, during which time Herr Hess and his wife quite unexpectedly, so far as I was concerned, also came to stay at the same hotel.

I met him on several occasions during which we talked about various matters, some political and some commercial, and for no reason that I am aware of he gave me the camera before I left.

A few years ago I went to considerable trouble, including communication with the Leica Company to try and obtain proof of ownership of the camera by Herr Hess, assuming he bought it direct from them but which I have no proof of, It appears that any records relating to the transaction were either lost or destroyed during the War, and therefore since the camera was given to me without witness there is no proof that I can offer.

During the early part of the 50s I gave the camera to my late brother Mr. Kenneth Horstmann who gave it back to me a few years later as he lost interest in photography.

Yours sincerely,

B. G. Horstmann."

Refrence:

Article printed in The Leica Society Newsletter, Number 77 June 2006 (copy included with sale)

Original newspaper article from 3/1/1978