Real-Life Spy Gadgets and Collectors
You might think those James Bond gadgets are just movie magic, but in reality, some incredible tools actually exist. Imagine a bra that doubles as a spy device, a deadly umbrella, or even a razor blade hidden in the heels of shoes—meant to cut ropes if a person is tied up. There are even cigarettes that can transform into a gun.
While much of the latest spy technology remains classified for good reasons, countless vintage gadgets once deemed high-tech are now treasured by collectors. These enthusiasts often go to great lengths, using clever tactics reminiscent of spy stories, to acquire such items.
Three collectors associated with the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., have shared insights into their unique treasures and the thrilling purposes behind them.
KGB, CIA, Mossad
H. Keith Melton first encountered spy gear during his time in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. In the mid-70s, he launched a collection after releasing a publication called Spook Trade tools.
“I ran ads worldwide,” Melton recounted. “Nobody knew anything like this existed, so I highlighted the secret gear from the KGB, CIA, and Mossad.”
His network quickly expanded, and soon Melton found himself traveling to remote conventions to source thousands of items originally used for espionage. Now, he possesses around 8,600 artifacts, with most displayed at the Spy Museum. These include hats equipped with guns and shoes rigged with listening devices.
“One particular needle was designed as a sheath, holding the tiniest drill bit imaginable,” he explained, having authored or co-authored works including The Ultimate Spy.
Among Melton’s notable pieces is a lipstick tube that conceals a gun, often sourced directly from former KGB operatives. In some cases, acquiring these items required desperate measures; he once smuggled a hollow coin, used to hide microfilms, in his mouth.
Another remarkable item in his collection is a replica of the infamous Bulgarian umbrella, which was used in 1978 to assassinate journalist George Markov using poison pellets.
Additionally, Melton has gloves that double as pistols, designed for codebreakers during World War II. “The thought was, ‘What if we’re overwhelmed by the Germans?’” he remarked. “They had a clever mechanism so that when you made a fist, a rod would stick out, enabling a swift response.”
Secret Cameras
Michael Hasco, a sales executive often working with spy cameras, started collecting after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. He mentioned, “At that time in Germany, things were lax. If you had American cash, anything was available.”
Hasco developed connections with ex-police and intelligence agents, leading him to an impressive collection, which includes commonplace items disguised as cameras.
One such invention is the “lipstick camera,” concealed in a tube of lipstick. Female agents would use these to discreetly take pictures at restaurants. There’s even a bra fitted with a camera, allowing for stealthy photo opportunities.
He also highlighted the “Tobacco Gambit,” where the cigarette pack itself served as a hidden camera, capable of capturing images without drawing attention.
Hidden Carry
Reade Williams’s curiosity led him to collect spy gadgets. Growing up in the 1960s, inspired by shows like “Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” he often wondered what elements were factual and which were mere fantasy.
In the ‘70s, he stumbled upon “incredible finds” in surplus catalogs from Vietnam, like earthquake sensors disguised as harmless objects. “They called them Dog Doo Transmitters,” Williams reminisced.
He owns a briefcase that conceals a gun. One U.S. model had a submachine gun hidden within, while a Russian variant had an ignition device near the grip, allowing for quick access.
Williams’s collection also includes “spike weapons,” which are deviously crafted to deliver toxins when turned against a target.
Perhaps the most practical item he has is a film destruction device disguised as a soap dish. “The film wraps around the bulbs. If opened, the bulbs would flash, ruining the film and protecting secrets,” he explained.
Collecting spy gear not only preserves intriguing pieces of history but also honors the risks and accomplishments of intelligence agents. “It offers insight into aspects often overlooked in history books,” Williams concluded.
