Leica news, before it happens

The results of the last WestLicht Photographica Auction are out:

The WestLicht camera auction on the 29th of May 2010 ended with a sensation. Lot 544, a Daguerréotype Giroux from 1839, was sold for the unbelievable price of 732,000 Euros (incl. premiums) and is thus not only the first commercially produced camera but also the most expensive camera in the world. No less spectacular is the price achieved by the mercury box that goes with the Daguerreotype – the extremely rare accessory was sold for 144,600 Euros.

Good results were also registered by the rare Leica prototypes: the 0 series M3 in fantastic original condition changes hands at 156,000 Euros, the even rarer Leica H for 67,800 Euros and the very first version of the famous Stereo Elmar 3,5/3,5cm from 1940 was auctioned for 60,000 Euros.

The photo auction was also a great success: the most expensive lot was a movement study by Austrian photographer, Rudolf Koppitz , which had reached a sensational 40,800 Euros by the time the hammer fell. At 14,400 Euros, Nude Study XIX by Anton Josef Trčka (from 1926) also achieved a notable result.

All auction results can be found in the online catalogue under the relevant lot number and in the results list that can be downloaded as PDF here.

After the Auction

You have acquired one or more lots and the WestLicht Auction? How does it go from there? Please find all information concerning invoicing, payment and dispatch of goods here.

Post-auction sales

Some lots from this auction were unfortunately unable to find buyers and are being offered in a post-auction sale at the starting prices (plus 20% premium). The items in question are those in the on line catalogue with no hammer price shown. If you are interested in this offer please get in contact with us quoting the lot number. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the post-auction sales information is only up-dated weekly. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Few interesting links:

• Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 for sale on eBay for US $666,000.00 and 10 “private” bids – is this some new kind of eBay scam?

• Rare Leica collection from a Japanese collector, now believed to be deceased.

• Leica M9 case, cowboy style.