Leica I Mod. A “Calfskin”

Very rare Leica Model A, with calfskin body-cover (LEANEKALB) with brown chequered pattern.

According to Hahne, only 180 examples of the calfskin Leicas were produced in 1930/31.

Many of these have been later replaced during restoration by Leitz with regular vulcanite, when the genuine leather was worn off.

The number of original calfskin Leicas still in existence today is very low. Of the brown chequered version only three examples are known to exist, and none of the others are in such good condition. The calfskin Leica is mentioned in the chapter 'Luxus Leica' of the 1930 Leitz catalogue, next to the gold-plated version. It is described as a black paint camera, covered with “colored calfskin”.

In the chapter about the cases, the individual colours available are mentioned, such as “green, red, violet, dark- and light-brown, as well as brown chequed”.

No.50058 is listed in Hahne as a calfskin Leica. In the Leitz shipping records it is listed as “Leanekalb kariert (chequered)”, delivered to Boesens, Stockholm, on December 23rd,1930. In fantastic, almost like new condition, with original black painted domed Leitz cap.

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction