Leica Luftwaffe Camera - Real or What?

[tanks1921]

(1) As I recall, I bought this camera for a reenactment I was planning on attending years ago. I wasn't able to make it and packed this camera away. At the time I wasn't too concerned about it's authenticity, I just wanted a camera to play with that worked.

[tanks1921]

(2) The only marking in question is the "Luftwaffe-Eigentum", I can find no other possible counterfeit markings.

[tanks1921]

(3)

[tanks1921]

(4)

[tanks1921]

(5) The only marking on the camera case (inside).

[tanks1921]

(6) No markings on top.

[tanks1921]

(7) What era would this camera be?

[patches]

Luftwaffe Eigentum=Luftwaffe Property

 

Here's another one that was defaced, as we see on this site they have been faked, not says yours is, I guess it needs to have more members look in.

 

https://www.cameraquest.com/luft.htm

 

 

One on WR.

 

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/field-equipment-accessories-third-reich/recent-find-100-original-leica-iiic-luftwaffen-eigentum-camera-684542/

[tanks1921]

Yeah, I looked at that earlier. IMHO this is one that has been faked. Looked on e-pay also, there are a bunch on there now out of Russia, but they are much more gaudy than this one. Really didn't see one like this. Thanks.

[Bob Hudson]

(7) What era would this camera be?

 

Based on the serial number, 1940-41

[tanks1921]

Thank you.

[The Meatcan]

Hey tanks1921, have you used this camera? Is it fully functional? Looks to be in fine shape. Thanks for sharing.

Terry

[tanks1921]

Terry no I haven't used it, but It is clean inside and out, and through the view finder. Visually, I can find nothing wrong with it. It has been packed away for quite a while. I originally got it to use at a reenactment, but never did. It looks like it has been well taken care of.

[austin_militaria]

Sorry. It is a copy. Not an original Leica.

[tanks1921]

Thanks, not really surprised. I've been reading everything I can find on the web trying to get up to speed. So is it a made-over Zurki or Fed? Maybe this will help someone else out someday.

[Josef]

Following the first link, one of the statements was that Germans would deface anything that was a reminder of the Nazi. (not word for word, but general). After the war, it was the Nazi symbol that were defaced by all, and to this day it is forbidden to have in possession. Many Luftwaffe, and other services had the Nazi part of items removed, obliterated, or defaced. Items marked property of, be it Luftwaffe, Wehrmacht, etc. (no Nazi symbols, just property of) were obliterated because the person(s) in possession were afraid these would be confiscated because they were property of the Government, not because of Nazi. My Uncle, had binoculars so marked as well as a metal case, they still had Luftwaffe Property marked, and not obliterated. My one regret is they were offered to me both, but I declined. A year later he died.