Real-life gadgets for the lady spy (pictures)

According to the International Spy Museum, this lipstick case disguises a cunningly wrought4.5mm single-shot pistol, and was designed for use by KGB operativesduring the Cold War. This particular gun was confiscated at anAmerican checkpoint in West Berlin.

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In order to make sure operatives'equipment could remain undetected, the CIA would design entireoutfits to incorporate gadgets seamlessly. "America'sintelligence officers can safely collect intelligence in hostileenvironments because they know that quality and craftsmanship havebeen "built in" to their appearances, leaving no traces toalert the enemy," says the CIA.

The agency does not specify which partsof the above ensemble incorporate spy equipment. It's possible thatthe jewellery contains cameras or listening devices, and that thepurse could be used to carry sundry relevant items; however, thecigarette packet in her hand is almost definitely a concealed camera.

A lady's powder compact makes anexcellent spy tool. Even today, it wouldn't be an unexpected item tofind in her bag. This version, made by the CIA for its femaleoperatives, looks like a normal compact. However, tilted just so, themirror reveals codes engraved into its surface.

This watch -- called the Notora,from manufacture Favre-Leuba-- dates back to around the 1920s, and was probably more a curiositythan a spy gadget -- but it's still pretty fascinating. Therectangular case -- a style more particular to ladies' watches thanto mens' -- contains a Swiss-made mechanical winding movement, andtwo extra, seemingly pointless, lugs. When the wearer pushes thebutton at six o'clock, the entire watch face lifts up, revealing ascroll of paper inside, on to which could be inscribed secretmessages. The two extra lugs scroll the paper back and forth.

The best spies are the ones who canimprovise, who can use their environment and normal, everyday objectsto their advantage. Take Anna Strong from the American Revolution. She would use her laundry asa signal to the Culper Spy Ring -- certain garments and linens hungupon the line would convey a certain message, all without having tospeak face-to-face. Harriet Tubman, Union spy during the American Civil War, used chickens and even a newspaper to create a diversion and disguiseherself from being recognised. Molly Rinker, also during theRevolution, would perch herself on a rock to watch the comings and goings of theBritish. She would then slip messages containing this informationinto balls of yarn, which would later be "found" byWashington's troops.

During the 19th Century,personal protection devices became all the rage: Miniature pistols,such as derringers, and cunningly concealed firearms in otherwearables, such as, say, a pocket watch -- or even cutlery (there's another picture here). So this c.1870 seven-shot pepper-box revolver -- named the Femme Fatale, crafted out of German silver -- is unlikely to have been a spy weapon so much as adevice a lady could conceal about her person in event she should needto protect herself.

Still, the idea of a lady spy carryingone of these is utterly delightful.

If we've whetted your appetite for thehistory of women in espionage, you can read some first-hand accounts here, and find out more about women whospied on the National Women's History Museum website.

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