COLD WAR: STEINECK SPY CAMERA.

The Steineck A-B-C Wrist Watch Spy Camera. West Germany, Tutzing : 1949 to late 1950s.

The Steineck A-B-C Wrist Watch Spy Camera. West Germany, Tutzing : 1949 to late 1950s.
An early Steineck wrist watch spy camera, with red leather watch strap, a fixed focus lens by Steinheil, presented on its original mount and in the original card box. Inner lid lettered Steinbeck A-B-C, and accompanied with the makers guarantee in German, this example numbered 567B.

An ingenious spy device produced from 1949 in West Germany for use by "spies", although it was also popular with US Private eyes. The 8 exposure film is loaded into the back of the "watch", as the release trigger is pressed the image is taken and the film rotates. It was a very clever idea with an agent making it look as if he was checking the time and at the same timing taking the shot. There is also a small viewfinder to assist in lining up the shot.
It was very useful in photographing secret meetings, persons of interest, and documents.