trying to find a Leica LTM with strange serial number model and production year

<p>I purchased a vintage Leica with strange serial number which has 7 digits, and when I search for Leica serial numbers they are all in 6 digits. Anyone can help finding what is the model of this Leica and the year it was produced. here is a picture of it <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByreoqpOvc2VYmVsWHNLTndKUkE/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByreoqpOvc2VYmVsWHNLTndKUkE/edit?usp=sharing</a></p>

<p>Looks like a legitimate IIIa. Engraving error? I think there's another copy of the serial number under the rangefinder housing.</p>

<p>The "1" at the end looks conspicuous: it is not spaced like the other numerals and is slightly higher than the others. If so, then my guess is it was engraved at a different time than the other numbers. Why that would happen, I do not know.</p>

<p>I've taken a lot of macro images of the engravings on Leicas produced in the 30's through 50's comparing quality of tool markings and it isn't that unusual to find some poor engravings, especially on cameras produced during wartime (1941-1944). This one is just an example of a sloppy engraving or correction of an error IMO. David Tomei</p>

<p>Abdul, the serial number without the last numeral is that of a IIIa. I cannot say how the "1" should have found its way there.</p>

<p>Perhaps it was stolen at one point and the number added to confuse the proper serial number. </p>

Sometimes replacement top plates were given the same SN with an extension.

 

Just a guess.