Unravelling the story of a Naval Officer and His Wartime Leica
Vintage cameras often arrive without context, their stories lost over the decades. However, this Leica IIIb was different—it arrived with carefully preserved letters, receipts, and handwritten notes. The delicate handwriting, references to the Royal Navy, and meticulous correspondence immediately caught my attention. Who exactly was Lieutenant R.F. Wells, the name appearing repeatedly on these fascinating 1930s documents? Why was this Leica delivered duty-free to a naval vessel? Intrigued, I dug into some research to uncover the full story behind this exceptional camera.
Why Original Documentation Matters
As a specialist in vintage photographic equipment, I've learned that the presence of original documentation can dramatically enhance a camera’s historical and financial value. Letters, receipts, and personal notes don't merely authenticate ownership—they transform objects into historical narratives. In the world of collecting, such detailed provenance is extremely rare and greatly sought after, turning an interesting item into a museum-worthy piece that genuinely connects its owner to the past.
Lt. R.F. Wells: Royal Navy Officer
Our research showed that Lieutenant Richard Frederick "R.F." Wells, OBE, DSC, had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy (Royal Navy (RN) Officers 1939-1945 - W - Unit Histories). Early in his career, as a young midshipman, Wells served aboard HMS Warspite, a legendary Queen Elizabeth-class battleship famously known as the “Grand Old Lady.” Warspite was flagship of Britain’s Mediterranean Fleet after a major refit in 1937 and became one of the most honoured ships in naval history. Serving aboard Warspite placed Wells at the heart of pre-war tensions in Europe, giving him a unique vantage point and, as we would discover, a reason to acquire a high-quality camera.
During World War II, Wells became known for his exceptional service aboard the destroyer HMS Jervis, earning several significant commendations including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), two Distinguished Service Crosses (DSC), and two Mentions in Despatches. His decorated wartime record makes any item linked to him, like this Leica IIIb, historically significant and highly collectible.
The Leica IIIb at Sea: Wells' Camera Purchase in 1939
In 1939, the Leica IIIb was a state-of-the-art 35mm camera, prized by professionals and keen amateur photographers alike. Although made in Germany, Leica cameras were available through Ernst Leitz's London office at 20 Mortimer Street. Wells took advantage of his naval privileges to purchase this camera duty-free, arranging delivery directly to HMS Warspite via the Royal Navy's mail service. Letters from Leitz London confirm this clever arrangement, explicitly detailing delivery to the ship’s postal address and specifying the exact camera model and lens: a Leica IIIb with a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (Although he did make a typo!).
A Photographer Before the Leica: The Alban Studio Receipt
Among the documents was a receipt from "Alban Studio" in Alexandria, Egypt, dated 19 October 1938. This small receipt placed Wells definitively in Alexandria, a major hub for the Mediterranean Fleet that he was part of. The receipt showed Wells was actively engaged in photography before obtaining the Leica IIIb. This detail enriches the narrative, portraying Wells not just as a naval officer, but as someone deeply passionate about capturing images of his experiences.
Leica Cameras and the Royal Navy
Were Leica cameras common aboard Royal Navy ships in the 1930s? While they were not standard-issue at the time, Leica cameras were highly regarded by military personnel for their compactness, reliability, and superb image quality. Although official navy photography roles existed primarily on larger ships, many naval officers privately owned cameras for personal and semi-official photography. By the early 1940s, the British military actively sought Leicas for reconnaissance and official use. Wells' Leica, obtained privately in 1939, was therefore a rarity at the war’s outset. It is quite possible that Wells used this camera to document fleet exercises, shipboard life, or significant events such as damage sustained by Warspite during operations. While we don't have Wells' own photographs, the presence of this camera aboard Warspite adds credibility and historical intrigue.
Salt Air and Brass: Evidence of Naval Use
Collectors know that a camera's physical condition can reveal much about its history. This Leica IIIb exhibits signs of oxidation and wear patterns characteristic of prolonged exposure to marine environments. Salt air and sea spray accelerate metal corrosion, leaving subtle patinas and oxidation marks on metal parts. These authentic signs of naval use enhance the camera's credibility and add value, providing tangible evidence of its life at sea rather than safely stored ashore.
The Historical Significance of HMS Warspite
To fully appreciate the provenance of this Leica IIIb, it's essential to understand the historical significance of HMS Warspite. Commissioned in 1915, Warspite saw extensive action during both world wars and earned more battle honours than any other ship in Royal Navy history. During Wells’ service aboard Warspite, the battleship played a critical role as the Mediterranean Fleet’s flagship, participating in pivotal operations and diplomatic missions just before WWII erupted. This illustrious history dramatically enhances the Leica’s provenance, making it a piece of maritime history as well as photographic heritage.
Why Are Early Records Missing?
During the initial stages of my research, a puzzling gap emerged—official naval records available online primarily linked Wells to HMS Jervis, without mentioning his earlier deployment aboard HMS Warspite. Such discrepancies often occur because historical military records frequently highlight an officer’s more significant or wartime postings, omitting earlier or shorter assignments. Detailed personal documentation, like the letters and receipts accompanying this camera, can fill these gaps, offering a fuller and richer understanding of an officer's early career.
Provenance and Collectability
For collectors and historians, the provenance of this Leica is exceptionally compelling:
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Personal Connection: Verified naval service records establish a direct link between highly decorated Lt. R.F. Wells and this specific camera.
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HMS Warspite: The camera's documented presence aboard this renowned battleship significantly enhances its historical importance.
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Original Documentation: Letters and receipts from Leitz confirm purchase details, delivery methods, and timelines, providing undeniable authenticity and provenance.
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Historical Context: Comprehensive research, including naval records and contextual history, accompanies the camera, making it not just a collectible but a historical artefact.
Military-related Leica cameras are highly prized, especially those with proven naval use. This camera offers collectors an opportunity to own a piece deeply intertwined with naval history, complete with an exceptional story verified by original documentation.
A Camera with a Captivating Past
Few vintage cameras can claim such a vivid past—documented proof of service aboard a celebrated Royal Navy battleship and personal ownership by a decorated officer at the eve of WW2. Lieutenant Wells’ distinguished service record, including honours like the OBE and DSC, and his documented presence aboard HMS Warspite, places this Leica IIIb firmly within historical events of the highest significance. Each mark of wear tells a story of a camera that sailed through history, providing a tangible link between photographic heritage and the remarkable naval career of Lt. R.F. Wells.
Currently available to buy through our eBay store
Do you own or know of other historically significant cameras or documents? I'd love to hear from you—reach out to discuss or receive a valuation
