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123221 E. Leitz New York Leica Gun RIFLE %u2018Patent Pending%u2019 %u20ac100.000*1938, condition B/A %u20ac 200.000 %u2013 240.000The E. Leitz New York %u2018RIFLE%u2019 is among the rarest and most unusual Leica accessories. The offered outfit is preservedin excellent, original condition. It includes the distinctive wooden rifle stock designed to reduce camera shake when using long telephoto lenses; a special viewfinder engraved %u2018Patent Pending%u2019 and %u2018E. LEITZ INC. NEW-YORK%u2019 (the %u2018Patent Pending%u2019 engraving appears in the position normally occupied by the three-digit serial number), possibly indicating an early or test example; notably, the post supporting the finder is finished in black paint rather than the usual chrome. Further included are a modified PLOOT reflex housing no. 2494; a Leica IIIb no. 240466 with a special base plate adapted for use with the RIFLE; and a Telyt 5/40cm no. 332046 in excellent condition with matching lens hood. E. Leitz, Inc., New York introduced the Leica Gun Rifle in July 1938, using the code word %u2018Rifle.%u2019 Production lasted only about one year (1938%u20131939). Theconcept, inspired by Commander Attilio Gatti, the well-knownwildlife photographer active in Africa, was developed between 1935 and 1937 before its official launch. Estimates of the total production vary: P. H. van Hasbroeck suggested that as few as six units were made, while J. L. Lager concluded that approximately twelve were produced. A total of 12%u201314 examples appears realistic; today, these rare outfits are dispersed among major collections worldwide.