Real-Life Spy Gear from the CIA

Converted for use with

Top Secret/SI

Edited by J.L. Hicks NOTE:

The text and images in this document, with the exception of game stats and editor’s notes, were taken di-rectly from the CIA Website at www.cia.gov. This information has been placed in the public domain by the CentralIntelligence Agency, and the editor wishes to extend his thanks to that organization for giving us a glimpse into apart of the history of our country which is not usually seen.

Item NameWeightCost

Caltrop-- Normal.1$2-- Tire Spike.5$10Matchbox Camera.1$1200Mark IV Microdot Camera.2$1500Minox Camera.1$1200“Belly Buster” Hand-Crank Audio Drill2$750Seismic Intruder Detection Device1$1500Dead Drop Spike.1$75“Silver Dollar” Hollow Container--$150

CALTROP (TIRE SPIKE)

Caltrops wereused extensivelyfor operationsduring the earlydays of the Of-fice of StrategicServices (OSS),the predecessorof the CIA. Ascaled-downversion of cal-trops used tostop horses during medieval times, this device wasalso effective in harassing modern-day enemies.When scattered on roads and runways, the non-reflective caltrops would always land with one of thefour spikes in an upright position, disrupting vehicularmovement. This particular spike is hollow and canpuncture a self-sealing rubber tire.

MATCHBOX CAMERA

The Eastman Kodak Company developed andmanufactured this camera for use by the Office ofStrategic Services. It was made in the shape of amatchbox and could be camouflaged by adding amatchbox label appropriate for the country in which itwas to be used.The camera,which uses16mm film, wasdesigned to beoperated with aminimum of user-adjustable set-tings. It was de-ployed "behind the lines" by resistance personnel inWorld War II for target recording and propagandaphotography. It featured rugged construction andcontrols which could be operated by "feel." (

EDI- TOR'S NOTE:

This is a variant of the Mini-camerafrom the Top Secret/S.I. boxed set.)

MARK IV MICRODOT CAMERA

When the BerlinWall was erected,passing docu-ments betweenagents in EasternEurope and theWest becamenearly impossible.The mail becamethe primary meansof communication,