Le Coultre Compass Pre-Production #1015

Prototype or pre-production LeCoultre & Cie Compass Camera I with serial number 1015, with unmarked lens and with original lens cap. One of two known to exist. This early first version was trialled to see the public reaction and it differs from the more common version II by the following features: It is 3mm shorter and 3mm less thick than the version II. The lens has no name or data engravings. The lens cap is separate and not attached and has no depth of field calculator. The 'LeCoultre' name does not appear on the outside of the camera. It has a more flush spirit level and no hinged magnifier at the back. The swivel mount is for a small screw and it has no option for a cable release. The wheel on the front is engraved 'Shutter Winder‘. Inside the back it is engraved 'World Patents Pending‘. Inside it is engraved 'Manufactured for the Licencees Compass Cameras, London by LECOULTRE CO. Switzerland under Pemberton Billing, Patents. See also comparison images to a regular production model.