Ruberg and Renner Dixi c1932

Tomei Collection

The Ruberg & Renner Company was founded in Hagen, Germany, in the early 1930's by Felix Ruberg, a notorious local industrialist and staunch supporter of the N.S.D.A.P. His company made bicycle parts and chain-drive mechanisms. However, they also made simple, inexpensive cameras during a brief period before the War began to make greater demands on Germany's industrial production. Later, about 1942, the factory ceased manufacturing cameras and began to produce materials for the war effort under contracts with the government. Among these products were small canisters for machinegun bullets, about the size and shape of the metal cameras for which the factory was tooled.

This example is the somewhat rare Dixi model. It is unusual because it is in nearly mint condition, found in its original box and packing. The black and blue crackle finish is rarely found in this condition.

Though the cameras from Ruberg & Renner may be somewhat rare, most that appear on auction are in rather poor condition. Excellent examples in their original boxes have sold for $175-200 recently, confirming that they still hold some mystique among collectors.

Ruberg and Renner Dixi c1932 Tomei Collection

Ruberg and Renner Dixi c1932

Tomei Collection