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52130Leica M3 Queen Elisabeth On October 20, 1958, Federal President Theodor Heuss of the Federal Republic of Germany arrived in the United Kingdom, marking the first official statevisit by a German head of state since the end of World War II. The four-day visit, which concluded on October 23, was a symbolic step toward post-war reconciliation. One of the most notable moments was President Heuss%u2019s formal meeting with Queen%u00a0Elizabeth II.To mark the occasion, Leica was commissioned to produce a special edition of its M3 camera as a diplomatic gift for the Queen. This unique model featured the royal cypher %u2018E II R%u2019 engraved on the top plate,%u00a0with a commemorativeinscription on the base plate reading: %u2018Ihrer Majest%u00e4t K%u00f6nigin Elisabeth II %u201420.%u00a0Oktober 1958%u2009%u2014%u2009Theodor Heuss%u2019The camera offered here is the original backup unit, made alongside the giftedversion and retained by the Leica factory in case a replacement was ever needed. It has remained in excellent condition and is fully operational. Interestingly, it comes fitted with a close-focus Summicron lens that lacks a serialnumber, suggesting it may be a prototype or pre-production sample.Start price %u20ac 60.000est. %u20ac 90.000%u2013 120.000Year of production: 1958condition: A%u2013