The original first press card from Elliott Erwitt from 1953, signed by Robert Capa and Elliott Erwitt. Included: black Leica MP no. 2922644 (2003) owned and used by Elliott Erwitt, engraved with his signature on back of top plate, with Summicron M 2/35 mm no. 2974350 (hood, strap). The set comes with a certificate of ownership by Elliott Erwitt.

This document of history was given to Elliott Erwitt in 1953 as his first Press Card from Magnum. It is signed by its president Robert Capa, the co-founder of Magnum, one year before he stepped on a landmine in the Indochina War. Elliott Erwitt: “In 1953 there was not the membership structure for Magnum. Robert Capa promised to take me in upon my decommission from the U.S. Army. Essentially I became a member of Magnum within hours of my release in March of 1953.
1953 was an easier time with regard to press cards and access to people and events. Still it was good to have something seemingly official as identification. And of course it was a matter of pride to have a ‘press card’ signed by arguably the most important dashing photojournalist from the most prestigious photo agency of the day. Looking at the card now I have difficulty imagining that anyone would take the person pictured (me) seriously looking about 12 years old.” For this items, if sold and/or shipped within the E.C. the premium is 27,37% (including VAT) plus 19% VAT on the hammer price (in total 46,37%)