Identifying an early Rolleiflex

dustyman · Apr 6, 2015

I have recently adopted several early Rolleiflex cameras and I would love some assistance.

The first is an Original model, what I am assuming is a K1 614 with a 3.8 Tessar (detachable hinged back. Bubble level under ground glass). Its serial number is 111039. However, there are two distinctions on this camera that I have yet to come across on pictures I have researched for this model. One is a metal nameplate of some sort on the upper back of the camera. Unfortunately it is worn in the central portion, so I can't make it out. Anyone out there know what it might say?

The second peculiarity of this camera is its embossed brass (or copper) focusing knob with what seems to be a bridge over water and the number "10" embossed on it. Every picture that I have come across shows this model to simply have a black leather circle on the knob.

Is this some sort of commemorative model?

I attach pictures to help. Any information that anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.

frobozz · Apr 6, 2015

That looks like some sort of coin glued to the knob there...

Duncan

Richard S. (rich815) · Apr 6, 2015

I agree, a coin or something added after. The name plate the same thing. Like a dealer bolting a nameplate on the trunk (boot) of your car. Nice camera! I have one similar that I really should use more. I have the push-on hood and a yellow filter too.

dustyman · Apr 6, 2015

Thank you, Duncan and Richard. However the knob is definitely cast as one piece, nothing glued on. Further, a cursory search for a vintage coin (German or otherwise) that depicts this scene has eluded me thus far.

The serial number of the Tessar (1295820) indicates manufacture in 1930. If Franke & Heidecke started business in 1920, and this camera made the scene around 1930, I'm thinking this might possibly have been their low key way of commemorating ten years. If so, this might be a very unusual specimen.

Any Rolleiflex experts out there?

If anyone else has more info, or a camera that has the same knob, please chime in.

Here are some closeup shots...

Richard S. (rich815) · Apr 6, 2015

Perhaps some info here: http://www.rolleiclub.com/

And perhaps email Jaap Roskam, who runs the site and tell him about this. I like your idea of the 10 year anniversary!

dustyman · Apr 6, 2015

Good idea. Will do.
Below are two possible bridges used.
The smaller bridge is seen going from Braunschweig (the home of Franke & Heidecke) to Magdeburg via the river Elbe.
The larger bridge, is the famous bridge in Heidelberg. I like to think the former one is depicted.

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Perhaps some info here: http://www.rolleiclub.com/

And perhaps email Jaap Roskam, who runs the site and tell him about this. I like your idea of the 10 year anniversary!

cowanw · Apr 6, 2015

Nobody has said yet that the label comes from Freiberg

AgX · Apr 6, 2015

frobozz said:
That looks like some sort of coin glued to the knob there..

The coin is from the "German Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia" (Szech country)

dustyman said:
...two possible bridges used.
The smaller bridge is seen going from Braunschweig (the home of Franke & Heidecke) to Magdeburg via the river Elbe.
The larger bridge, is the famous bridge in Heidelberg. I like to think the former one is depicted.

Obviously you are wrong.

Most likely this second one in Prague:
http://www.geo.de/reisen/community/bild/regular/539752/Moldaubruecken-Prag.jpg

Lee Rust · Apr 6, 2015

Here's the coin:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_haleru_(World_War_II_Bohemian_and_Moravian_coin)

http://www.coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins?main_coin=10759

Personalized embellishments like this can be more interesting than commemorative factory medallions. There's a story that goes along with that coin, carefully applied to this well-used camera. Of course the real story will always be a mystery, but you are free to make one up, if you like.

dustyman · Apr 7, 2015

Excellent sleuthing!
Totally interesting, indeed.
Curious, though, it does't look like zinc (the 10 haleru coin was apparently minted in zinc).
Whoever did this took great pains, beveling the edge of the coin, then fusing the edges into the inside ridge of the knob to make it appear all one piece.
Plus, the coin was minted in the '40s during WWII, a good decade after the camera was made. A fad?

Lee Rust · Apr 7, 2015

According to the second article I found, the bronze or copper versions of the 10 haleru coin were minted between 1922 and 1938. Your coin is not of the wartime zinc.

dustyman · Apr 7, 2015

The coinquest link indicates that 2,5 and 10 Haleru coins were from 1922-1938, while the Wiki page indicates the 10 was from 1940->1944.

Looks like it was made in bronze as well, which is likely what this one is.
See here: http://www.catawiki.com/catalog/coins/countries/czechoslovakia/2187081-czechoslovakia-10-haleru-1933
They attribute it to 1933.

The real story is that the coins' owner attached a camera to it so he wouldn't lose his lucky coin.

dustyman · Apr 7, 2015

Thank's Lee. I just saw your post above mine...

piu58 · Apr 7, 2015

> Freiberg

FreibUrg (im Breisgau = i.Br). We have a second Freiburg "an der Unstrut" (at the river Unstrut), which requires an addition.

AgX · Apr 7, 2015

AgX said:
The coin is from the "German Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia" (Szech Country)

Dustyman, you are right. (I mixed up coins in a table; I should not post in deepest night...)

The zinc version was the war-time version.

This bronce version is the Szechoslovakia version from 1922-1938.

And yes, a "lucky-coin" makes sense.

Richard S. (rich815) · Apr 7, 2015

Maybe its like penny loafers in the 60's and 70's. This might have been a "thing" to do on camera knobs but perhaps few survived.

Identifying an early Rolleiflex

dustyman

Attachments

frobozz

Richard S. (rich815)

dustyman

Attachments

Richard S. (rich815)

dustyman

Attachments

cowanw

AgX

Lee Rust

dustyman

Lee Rust

dustyman

dustyman

piu58

AgX

Richard S. (rich815)

Identifying an early Rolleiflex

Attachments

Attachments

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency