For decades, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has managed advanced technical equipment for the Swedish Armed Forces. This auction presents an object with unbroken provenance directly from FMV’s holdings: one of the rarest camera models ever produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar – the Leica IIIf “Swedish Army”, no. 822928.
In 1956, the Swedish Army commissioned an order of only 100 cameras. Serial numbers 822901–823000 were recorded in Leica’s control book with the note matt. schwarz. Delivered via Brandt AB in Stockholm, these cameras stood out with their fully black finish, the black-lacquered Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 lens, and a construction specially adapted for cold climates, referred to in Leitz documentation as Kältefest.
Today, these cameras are internationally recognized as among the most sought-after Leica military editions. The extremely limited production run, the documented military commission, and the technical adaptations have made this series a highlight among collectors.
Camera no. 822928 comes with unbroken provenance from the Swedish military, preserved in very fine condition, and is complemented by its original lens and contemporary accessories. This makes it an international collectors’ piece of the highest distinction – and one of the most significant known examples of the Leica IIIf “Swedish Army”.
