1945 - 49 LEICA WOLLENSAK 50mm VELOSTIGMAT SCREWMOUNT F/3. 5 LENS, From LEITZ N. Y.
Item History & Price
1945-49 LEICA WOLLENSAK 50mm VELOSTIGMAT SCREWMOUNT f/3.5 LENS, from LEITZ New York.
COSMETICS OUTSTANDING, with two Caps, Brochure, Case & Box
Graded by Hove R7, "Exceptionally Rare"
HISTORYImmediately after the war, there was strong demand in the U.S. for Leitz equipment, but due to WW2, grave limitations in the supply coming from Wetzlar, Germany.
Between 1945 and early 1949, Leitz New York mitigated this problem by producing three lenses branded "E. Leitz,... Inc. New York." They were a 50mm, a 90mm and a 127mm. The respected American manufacturer Wollensak produced the optical components, while Leitz New York themselves fabricated the mounts and engraving, and handled distribution and marketing.
Leitz New York is an interesting and manageable area to collect. I am selling my collection of all three of these Wollensak lenses, plus other Leitz New York-branded equipment from the immediate postwar period.
The 50mm lens, code LELEL, is one of the least common items, and was obviously intended as a substitute for the f/3.5 Elmar. The postwar Leica Standard (approx. #355001 to 355650), was often equipped with this lens.
CONDITION1945-49 LEICA WOLLENSAK 50mm VELOSTIGMAT SCREWMOUNT f/3.5 LENS, with front/rear caps, Leitz case, Leitz N.Y. red box and January 1949 brochure.
Cosmetics are outstanding on the lens, barrel is bright, reflective, and shows virtually no wear. One small mark on the rim by the "Feet" engraving, that's it. Glass is clear, no fungus, but it shows some light cleaning and other small marks on the front element.
Focus and iris operate smoothly, and there is a little oil showing on the iris blades, but not much. Both lens caps are metal, excellent condition, as is the Leitz Wetzlar leather case. The red box shows some edge wear but no splits.
The January 1948 4-page Brochure is in excellent condition, no damage or tears. This is the only promo piece I've come across for these lenses.
VALUEThe Hove Price Guide values this lens at $1, 000.00, with a Rarity Grade of R7, "Exceptionally Rare."
Collectiblend gives a range of $1, 000 - $1, 100 for Very Good examples, $1, 700 - $1, 800 for Mint.
I ship internationally, with contents labeled as "Used Photo Equipment."
Please see my other auctions for the 90mm and 127mm New York lenses, plus other New York engraved equipment.
COSMETICS OUTSTANDING, with two Caps, Brochure, Case & Box
Graded by Hove R7, "Exceptionally Rare"
HISTORYImmediately after the war, there was strong demand in the U.S. for Leitz equipment, but due to WW2, grave limitations in the supply coming from Wetzlar, Germany.
Between 1945 and early 1949, Leitz New York mitigated this problem by producing three lenses branded "E. Leitz,... Inc. New York." They were a 50mm, a 90mm and a 127mm. The respected American manufacturer Wollensak produced the optical components, while Leitz New York themselves fabricated the mounts and engraving, and handled distribution and marketing.
Leitz New York is an interesting and manageable area to collect. I am selling my collection of all three of these Wollensak lenses, plus other Leitz New York-branded equipment from the immediate postwar period.
The 50mm lens, code LELEL, is one of the least common items, and was obviously intended as a substitute for the f/3.5 Elmar. The postwar Leica Standard (approx. #355001 to 355650), was often equipped with this lens.
CONDITION1945-49 LEICA WOLLENSAK 50mm VELOSTIGMAT SCREWMOUNT f/3.5 LENS, with front/rear caps, Leitz case, Leitz N.Y. red box and January 1949 brochure.
Cosmetics are outstanding on the lens, barrel is bright, reflective, and shows virtually no wear. One small mark on the rim by the "Feet" engraving, that's it. Glass is clear, no fungus, but it shows some light cleaning and other small marks on the front element.
Focus and iris operate smoothly, and there is a little oil showing on the iris blades, but not much. Both lens caps are metal, excellent condition, as is the Leitz Wetzlar leather case. The red box shows some edge wear but no splits.
The January 1948 4-page Brochure is in excellent condition, no damage or tears. This is the only promo piece I've come across for these lenses.
VALUEThe Hove Price Guide values this lens at $1, 000.00, with a Rarity Grade of R7, "Exceptionally Rare."
Collectiblend gives a range of $1, 000 - $1, 100 for Very Good examples, $1, 700 - $1, 800 for Mint.
I ship internationally, with contents labeled as "Used Photo Equipment."
Please see my other auctions for the 90mm and 127mm New York lenses, plus other New York engraved equipment.
