Leica I Mod. A Luxus outfit *

Extremely rare 'Luxus' Leica in exquisite, original condition. The camera features gold-plated metal components and a body adorned with a red-coloured lizard skin. It was never restored and shows only minimal patina of use. Only 95 'Luxus' Leicas were produced from 1929 to 1931; unfortunately, many were later converted, upgraded or lost - as a result, merely a handful of cameras are known to exist, and only a few maintained their original condition. An original Luxus Leica is one of the major rarities in the Leica world. The offered example, delivered in 1931 as LELUX rot (Leica Luxus with red lizard skin covering) stands out as the finest example of this rare camera we have ever seen. What makes it even more distinctive is the addition of Leitz 3x20 luxus binoculars with gold-plated parts and the matching colour of the lizard-skin covering. 
The delivery records for the camera from the Leica Archives indicate: Lelux rot, 18.2.31, Baumann Anton. The codeword "Lelux rot" signifies a Leica Luxus camera featuring a red lizard skin covering, including one cassette and a leather case. It is particularly noteworthy that the camera was not dispatched to a dealer or a Leitz agency, but directly to an individual, Anton Baumann. Baumann was a travelling lecturer and photographer for Leitz, as well as the author of one of the first color photo books, 'Das Farbige Leica Buch' - a prime example of which is part of this lot. Also included is a written expertise for the camera from Mr. Ottmar MIchaely.