Lot 359

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Description:

M-209 FIELD CRYPTOGRAPHIC MACHINE
Fine example of the M-209, a portable, mechanical cipher machine used by the U.S. military in World War II. The machine, 7 1/4" wide x 5 1/2" deep x 3 1/2" tall (cased), represented a brilliant achievement for pre-electronic technology. It used a wheel scheme similar to that of a telecipher machine, such as the Lorenz cypher or Germany's famouse "Enigma" machine. However, if a codebreaker got hold of two overlapping sequences, he could eventually break the code. Indeed, by early 1943, German cryptanalysts were already able to read M-209 messages. This example, production date unknown (though with a 1956 inspection stamp), appears to be in perfect working order and still has a reel of tape, original screwdriver, tweezers, tool, and canvas army issue carrying case. Accompanied by David Kahn's book The Code Breakers which more fully discusses this unique machine.

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December 8, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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