CIA Museum Intelligence Gathering Gadgets & Devices

Belly Buster Hand Crank Audio Drill

This is an extremely well developed piece of kit for a relatively small job. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the 'Belly Buster' would be provided for the drilling of holes in masonry for the installation of audio devices to listen in on conversations. The hand crank operation was relatively silent and there were numerous drill bits included in the pack.

Pipe Radio Receiver

A miniature radio receiver hidden within a pipe. The user hears the sounds via "bone conduction" from the jaw to ear canal. The sound clarity without blocking external sounds made it an effective device.

Elephant Counter

During the Vietnam war the Elephant Counter was used to count people  and supplies on the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North to South Vietnam. Many of those using the equipment could not speak English, so the machine featured pictures and symbols that represented troops, trucks, motorcycles, tanks, missiles and elephants. A corresponding knob allowed the user to set the figure. 

Distortion Measuring Set 

The Bangkok Bureau would use this Atlantic Research Corporation device to measure and analyse the percentage of distortion on a communications circuit in Bangkok.  

Seismic Intruder Detector 

A variety of shapes and designs were available for use as Cold War intrusion detection devices, including random shaped rocks and this erm, poo looking object. Although the power cells were very small, they had in-built antennae and transmitters were able to relay data from people, vehicles and even animals up to 300 metres away.

Flaps & Seals Kit for Beginners

These kits were supplied to train agents to open letters and packages and re-seal them without the recipient ever knowing.

Flaps & Seals Kit 

This advanced kit included ivory tools in a travel pack to enable agents to use the equipment in the field.

Letter Removal Device 118

With a similar purpose, but prior to development, this Letter opening devices was created during the Second World War. The pincer device removes letters from envelopes without opening the seal. The pincer would be inserted in the small space above the gummed seal of the envelope flap. The letter is then would around the pincers so the letter could be removed.

Stereoscope & Case 

During the Second World War, photograph analysers would use the Stereoscope to provide depth of field by using stereo image pairs to create a 3D effect. Aerial reconnaissance photographs would provide invaluable information and data on targets to enable the planning of operations and objectives.