Determining date of old Leitz Elmar lens

I am trying to date an old Elmar lens using a table of serial numbers vs. manufacture dates but I can't find a serial number on the lens.

It is a thread mount, uncoated, focussing scale in meters, probably nickel plated, and an older progression of f stops (3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5, 18). Any info on location of serial number or manufacture date would be appreciated.

Unless it's a really early one, which might not even have a serial number, it would normally be engraved/stamped on the black-painted brass bezel around the front lens element.

 

There's also a small change you can find it on the rear of the lens mount.

 

 

Serial numbers engraving started at #85000 from 1932-ish. Nickel-plated version production stopped in 1936

Edited November 16, 2020 by Rick_van_Nooij

I am trying to date an old Elmar lens using a table of serial numbers vs. manufacture dates but I can't find a serial number on the lens.

It is a thread mount, uncoated, focussing scale in meters, probably nickel plated, and an older progression of f stops (3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5, 18). Any info on location of serial number or manufacture date would be appreciated.

There are several excellent Leica Clubs online - if you haven't visited, might be helpful.

Someone on the L-Camera Forum (Leica enthusiasts) brought up a similar question a few weeks ago. Get a magnifying glass and look closely at the black ring surrounding the front element...the engraved serial number will be very small.

Look here: Leica Screw Mount Serial #'s Sorted by Number

 

And here: LEICA Lens Serial Numbers

Edited November 18, 2020 by Bill Blackwell Images

You can see it here:

 

https://d1ro734fq21xhf.cloudfront.net/attachments/00Dpih-26026984.jpg

 

and in several images on this page:

 

elrectanguloenlamano: ROBERT CAPA´S FIRST LEICA SOLD DURING THE HISTORICAL 22ND WESTLICHT CAMERA AUCTION

 

It can be pretty hard to read:

Thanks (again) Richard. (Ithought I replied yesterday but I guess it went adrift.) The number was right where your photo showed it. My lens is a 1931 Elmar. I bought it from Olddn Camera & Lens in NYC in the late 1950"s. It would be interesting to know where t spent the 30's and 40's. And thanks to all who replied.

I am trying to date an old Elmar lens using a table of serial numbers vs. manufacture dates but I can't find a serial number on the lens. ...

I completely misunderstood your question. I thought you were saying you couldn't find the serial number related to your lens on-line. When I saw Richard's reply, I thought ... Duh!!! o_O