Fratelli Borletti Effebi Rangefinder Camera Prototype

A prototype from Ettore Boscoli's workshop commissioned for the Borletti brothers (Fratelli Borletti). Exact copy of a Leica IIIa (Model G) and the Fiumea (sold in our previous auction - Lot 206). Part of this prototype was probably created using original Leica parts. The camera is engraved with serial number 221659 under the topplate. The Leica IIIa with this serial number was delivered to the Italian Leitz agency Cattaneo on December 04th, 1936. The front ring of the lens (consisting of parts of an Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 No. 224450) and several operating parts of the camera are still made of bare brass. The topplate matt chrome-plated. Included: Document in typewriting and hand notes for this prototype by Ettore Boscoli ("Effebi numero Zero su Leica Matrice 221659"), camera on the rear and another chrome plated main board with sticker with number 3, the document with sticker "Prova 3", black bakelite box with the initials "FB" (Fratelli Borletti) and various components in bare brass. Literature: Hans P. Rajner, „Leica Copies by HPR“, p. 67ff.; Pont / Princelle, „300 Leica copies“, p. 132, 133; Marco Antonetto & Mario Malavolti, „MADE IN ITALY Italian Cameras“, p. 173.