Bonhams 1793 : Exceptional Leica Luxus I,

Exceptional Leica Luxus I,

circa 1930,
No. 48048,
with 50mm f3.5 Elmar lens, faux lizard skin body covering.

Sold for HK$ 7,460,000 inc. premium

Provenance:

This camera was from the collection of E. J. Newton (Jack), one of the founder members of the Leica Historical Society and its first president. It remained within his private museum in Sutton Coldfield, England, and later, along with most of his collection, went on display at the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, Milsom St., Bath. Thence to current vendor.

Literature:

Leica In Colour, Paul Henry Van Hasbroeck, Wilson Publishers, 1998, this actual camera shown on front cover and p. 27.
Leica - A History Illustrating Every Model And Accessory, Paul Henry Van Hasbroeck, Sotheby's Publications, second edition, 1993, see colour plate VII.
Also, revised edition 1993 p. 48.

Footnote:

The Luxus cameras were produced on special order only in very tiny numbers between 1929 and 1930, using serial numbers falling between 28692 and 68834. Just 95 units were produced and many less are known to exist today.

A full-matching gold-plated rangefinder and faux lizard skin ever ready case were also available.