Prototype Rifle Stock for the Leica camera, developed by the noted California camera collector Dr. Robert Bingham. A renowned Leica collector and historian, Dr. Bingham donated more than 2,000 vintage cameras to found the Bingham Technology Collection at the University of California, Riverside Museum of Photography in 1973.Like many Leitz enthusiasts, in the late 1930s Dr. Bingham was excited by the introduction of the Leica Rifle, and developed his own beautifully finished version shortly before World War II. Concerned about the overall weight of the Leitz version, Dr. Bingham had a local gun maker create a lighter stock with two attractively shaped cutouts in the wood and handgrip (lacking in the Leica Rifle), to assist in holding the outfit steady during shooting. As far as is known, this is the only version of this prototype Rifle Stock ever produced.Dr. Bingham, a customer of Alvin’s Photo Supply of Pasadena - an exclusively Leitz dealer that sold worldwide, arguably the first U.S. “Leica Store" - sold his creation to the store in the 1970s. Included with the prototype rifle stock are Leica IIIa Nr. 207990, 400mm Telyt f5 Nr. 1097081, and mirror reflex housing PLOOT Nr. 5174, as well as Dr. Bingham’s original carry case for his creation. An advertising card from Alvin’s Photo is also included. Working. A fascinating piece of Leica - and photographic - history. Condition: Excellent + overall