VEF MINOX 1938

The advertisement from the 1939 edition of the British Almanac of Photography shows the outstnanding features of the camera. 17.5 Guinueas = £18. £18 in 1939  is £1080 for inflaion adjustment only, but that is half the story.. 

There are two types of VEF Minox.

 Those assembled in 1938-1944 (s/n 1001-15000) and from 1989-1992 (s/n 15001-17145). All use original parts, but the latter era Rigas are not authentic war-time assembly. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing: if the camera looks in too good condition but has a pre-15k serial number chances are that the number has been altered. Internal parts are likely to be inconsistent.

Pricing?

12 tooth Minoxes (1001-3037* (GM)) -£2k up. Cannot be faked.

3 tooth Minoxes 'Pat App' £1800, 

3 tooth Minoxes USSR engraved £2k+ (but watch for fakes). 

3 tooth Minox 'Made in USSR' removed and re-engraved 'Made in Latvia' £2k ++

3 tooth 'Made in Latvia' 1943 £1.5k

Post 15k serial numbers 500+ but value is declining. Do not buy so-called Army 'Heer' or Luftwaffe markings as they generally too good to be true.