A collection of James Bond-style gadgets which were used by British spies in World War Two are going under the hammer. Other useful gadgets include compasses concealed inside buttons and a razor-blade which would point north when placed on water. They were then given to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents to carry out espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance missions in Nazi-occupied countries. Many escape or spy gadgets were based on the ideas of Christopher Hutton, a Birmingham-born soldier, airman, journalist and inventor. SOE agents came from all walks and included a former chef, an electrician, several journalists and the daughter of a Brixton motor-car dealer.

Source: Daily Mail November 14, 2020 15:21 UTC