Discretion is key

Probably the coolest ‘concealed camera’ on offer at Bonhams’ ‘Important and Rare Cameras’ sale, taking place on 3 December in Hong Kong, is that found in the genuine Lucky Strike cigarette wrapper – one of two ever made for the U.S. Signal Corps in 1949/1950, featuring a five-element 17.5mm Sonnar-type lens. Also included are two pistol cameras designed in the 1950s for use in surveillance operations by the Japanese police, a 1940s matchbox-sized Kodak used by secret agents, and a very rare GF81 ring camera that, despite its miniature size, doesn’t look that discreet. Find the complete auction catalogue here. 

Photos: Bonhams