More Than Meets The Eye

THERE IS MORE TO THESE CAMERAS THAN MEETS THE EYE

The birth of the camera can be traced back to the early 19th century.  By the mid-1800s, cameras were being produced in commercial numbers, such was the demand for this exciting new 'technological' phenomenon.  As interest grew and companies invested in their development, they became smaller, smarter (sort of) and more affordable.

It wouldn't be long before they became a handy tool for espionage.

Leski Auctions has compiled a group of more than 1,000 Lots which includes cameras used for what could be described as nefarious reasons (depending on which side you support).  One of the earliest known models is the British-made Lancaster Rover 'detective' camera (Lots 421 & 422).  This dates back to 1890, and is notable for the leather case that was used to disguise it.

The country most commonly associated with using the camera to spy on enemies real and imagined was the Soviet Union. 

Lead auctioneer, Charles Leski, says that no self-respecting spy would risk exposing their identity by carrying a very obvious camera to document activities believed to pose a threat to the government they served.  This proved to be fertile ground for companies like Minox, which developed the subminiature camera in 1936.  There are many examples of how important this camera was for the art of spying. 

During the Cold War, US Navy communications specialist, John A. Walker Jr., used a Minox C to photograph documents and ciphers related to the navy's cryptography programs. In 1987, The New York Times reported that Walker helped the Soviets decipher more than one million encrypted naval messages, making him and his group 'the most damaging Soviet spy ring in history.'

The auction includes 17 Lots of Minox subminiature cameras.

A good example of how the technology was adapted to meet unusual circumstances is Lot 857.  Says Mr. Leski, "The Soviet Union reimagined the technology to complement the art of surveillance and intelligence gathering.  This camera from the 1960s, produced by Krasnogorsk Mechanical Works, was used by the KGB to take compromising images of people via a hole drilled into the walls of their hotel room."

Lot 857:  Soviet-era spy camera

Another fascinating example is the Ticka, made by British company, Houghton (Lot 818).  Dating to the early 1900s, this beautifully engineered camera is hidden inside a pocket watch that any gentleman of the era would be proud to wear.  There is no suggestion that it was designed for the elegantly-tailored spy, but it's hard to imagine that it wouldn't have been seriously considered for that purpose.

Lot 818  Ticka by Houghton

While espionage requires creative thinking, camera manufacturers weren't opposed in putting fun into their products.  The auction features a number of examples of cameras 'hidden' inside soft drink and beer cans, and confectionary packaging (Lots 1023 & 1024).  And lest you think that credit card companies are averse to 'playing ball' with their customers, there is a great example of Mastercard creating a promotional soccer ball with a camera embedded inside (Lot 877).

These were created for entertainment value rather than spy craft, but their use most likely inspired the rise of 'nanny cams', which became hugely popular in the 21st century.

Lot 877:  Mastercard soccer ball camera

Lot 1024:  Assorted cans with cameras embedded

The auction will be held on October 29 & 30 from 12.00pm.  Details can be found at www.leski.com.au

About Leski Auctions

Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately.  Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and General Sir John Monash.  It has sold more 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.

Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program.  He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.  

The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.  
Tel +61 3 8539 6150/+61 412 053 692 and www.leski.com.au