Detective Camera, 1880-1890
Add to SetSummary
In 1885, Robert D. Gray created one of the earliest commercial spy cameras. It was designed for concealment: worn under a shirt, with the small lens protruding from a button hole. The spring shutter on the flat disc could be triggered with little suspicion. After each image was taken, the glass plate inside the disc rotated, producing small round photographs.
In 1885, Robert D. Gray created one of the earliest commercial spy cameras. It was designed for concealment: worn under a shirt, with the small lens protruding from a button hole. The spring shutter on the flat disc could be triggered with little suspicion. After each image was taken, the glass plate inside the disc rotated, producing small round photographs.
Artifact
Camera (Photographic equipment)
Date Made
1880-1890
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
65.108.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Nickel
Dimensions
Height: 3.25 in
Diameter: 7.0 in
Inscriptions
stamped on back: R. D. GRAY / PAT'D JULY 27, 86 NEW YORK 1272 / WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
