August 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2019
Enigma machine used by Nazi Germany during World War II, the three cipher rotor design (M3) used from 1934 until the end of the war. Considered nearly ''unbreakable'', the only flaw inherent to the enigma machine - beyond human error, which would ultimately be its downfall, was the fact that the machine could scramble the letters into any one of 17,576 combinations except the use of its original letter. However, it would be human error, such as signing off each communication with ''Heil Hitler'' showcased in ''The Imitation Game'', that allowed the Allies to deconstruct many of the cipher's coded communications. Though widely employed by Germany during the war, enigma machines are now very scarce, as Germans were ordered to destroy them lest they fall into Allied hands. Additionally, Winston Churchill ordered all Enigma machines to be destroyed at the end of the war. Only about 250 used during WWII are now believed to still exist, with machines having matching parts, such as this example, even more rare.
Machine is model M3, with the serial numbers of the rotors matching the machine itself (since the rotors were interchangeable, this isn't always the case), in its original wooden case. Serial number engraved on plate attached to the keyboard reads ''A // 00660 / bac / 43 E'', matching the serial number of ''660'' stamped on the plate underneath the rotors, and also matching the serial number on the rotors reading ''A 00660 / 43 E''. The metal wheels also bear the engraving of the Third Reich emblem - a black eagle above the swastika. Upon the interior of the wooden lid are the instructions in German, above the QWERTZUIO mechanical keyboard, which would light up when used. Twenty-six bulbs exist on the lamp board, with one broken, and with the socket locations marked Kabelprufung (cable test) and Lampenprufung (lamp test). Original battery is still present, with expected corrosion. Part of leather strap also present but no longer secured to wooden case. Entire machine and case weighs approximately 28.5 lbs. and measures 11'' x 13.25'' x 6''.
Enigma Machine Used by Germany During World War II -- Very Scarce, as Germans Were Ordered to Destroy the Machines to Prevent Capture by the Allies
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