Leica Fully original and very rare black MOOLY-C  Nr.5623  in Ex++ condition in good working order

The existence of the Leica MOOLY-C is little known to most Leica enthusiasts. A tiny group of the motors were prepared in 1941 at numbers:3459 to 3456. The majority of MOOLY-C's lie between 5000-5700. Chrome finish appears to be confined to 5000-5200, gray finish between 5200-5300 and black finish between 5300-5700.

Deliveries occur between 1940-1949. Archive records make no mention of finish or type (with or without K engraving.)

The original hand written Leitz Wetzlar delivery books constitute the record of this Leica accessory which to the author's knowledge was never officially catalogued. The MOOLY-C remains one of the most elusive of all Leica accessories with less then 800 completed.

The MOOLY-C is basically a short base motor housed in longer shell . Short base motor shells (the brass outer casting ) were cut and lengthened to fit the longer base dimensions. Evidence of cutting and butt welding as well as a crescent shaped spacer are shown in Lagers book.

Linkage between the MOOLY-C and the camera was internal via an angled hook on the motor which engaged the flat release spring of the camera. When mounting  the motor, engagement of motor hook and camera spring is effected by depressing the camera shutter release. Failure to exercise care may result in a broken hook!

info From James Lager book Vol III accessories .