A Look at Fascinating Vintage Spy Cameras From The Past

This photo collection showcases an extraordinary array of vintage cameras that were ingeniously disguised as everyday items, providing a fascinating insight into the world of covert photography. Among the highlights are cameras hidden in items such as matchboxes, pocket watches, books, cigarette packs, binoculars, radios, and even handguns. One particularly intriguing piece is a camera designed to look like a cigarette packet post-World War II, known as the Lucky Strike Spy Camera. Developed by the Mast Development Corp for the US Signal Corps, this camera could discreetly take 18 shots on 16mm film, offering a glimpse into the advanced technology of the time.

h/t: rarehistoricalphotos

The Lucky Strike Spy camera was developed in the late 1940s by the US Military.

In the 1950s, Japan produced two pistol-based cameras for police use, showcasing the innovative designs that were created for specific covert operations. Additionally, the collection features the highly sought-after 1886 Ladies-Pattern Patent Watch Camera by J. Lancaster and Son, a cleverly disguised camera that resembled a pocket watch. These cameras, auctioned at Bonhams a few years ago, represent a bygone era when photography was a secretive and discreet art form, with inventors pushing the boundaries to create hidden cameras for various clandestine purposes.

The 1904 Ticka Watch allowed the user to take surreptitious photographs.

The collection, primarily sourced from a single enthusiast, offers a rare and unique glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of photographic history. It serves as a reminder of a time when capturing a moment required skillful concealment and intricate designs, contrasting sharply with the modern era where smartphone cameras are ubiquitous and easily accessible. Each camera in this collection tells its own story, shedding light on the creativity and innovation of photographers and inventors who sought to capture moments discreetly and covertly.

This ABC watch camera, made in 1948, features a lens in the back of the watch’s body.

This ladies’ pattern patent watch camera would be used by a female agent in 1886.

This gun camera was developed in 1954 and shot on a 16mm film and is one of two gun cameras that were used by Japanese police.

This 1952 Mamiya pistol camera was also made in Japan.

This book camera was made in 1888 in Germany.

‘Mast Concealable camera’ from 1950.

This 1886 concealed vest camera was designed to be worn inside clothing with the lens pointing out of a buttonhole.

A 1981 ring camera from Italy.

The Russian Minox camera is disguised as a radio.

The bizarre French-made Le Photo Revolver.

This Expo Police camera from New York went on sale between 1911 and 1924.

This 1886 device was described as the Improved pattern patent watch camera and is one of the few surviving examples which uses photographic plates, pictured in the foreground, instead of film.