Lot 69
  • 69

HAGELIN CD-57

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
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Description

  • A fully functional Hagelin CD-57 pocket cipher device. Switzerland, Crypto Ag. Zug, 1957.
  • METAL, PLASTIC
Mechanically operated pocket cipher machine in two-part military case variant (5½ x 3 in.) of drab-green die-cast aluminum, serial number 3003993, complete with 6 coding wheels (29, 31, 37, 41, 43, & 47) and rewinding crank housed in case lid. Hinged top lid with case lock, white on black input/output letter disk, crank insertion hole, and window revealing letter counter, case bottom with cipher tape holder, operating lever, and locking lever, the whole opening to reveal keying mechanism with input/output disc, and stack of 6 coding wheels on axle with drum locking lever. 

Condition

A complete fully functional Hagelin CD-57 pocket cipher device with serial number 3003993, complete with 6 coding wheels (29, 31, 37, 41, 43, & 47) and rewinding crank housed in case lid. Some small areas of paint chips to case, other wise excellent.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A FULLY FUNCTIONAL HAGELIN CD-57 POCKET CIPHER DEVICE. Developed by Boris Hagelin in 1957, the eponymous Hagelin CD-57 was a mechanically operated, pin-and-lug pocket cipher machine that remained in service until the mid 1970s. By secret arrangement with the United States National Security Agency, two primary versions of this device were made; the CD-57, made for use by NATO and NATO-friendly countries, and the CD-55, made for use by non-NATO countries. The two appeared identical, however the CD-55 was much easier to break; the CD-57, basically a pocket-version of Hagelin's unbreakable CX-52 desktop cipher machine, featured a highly improved stepping mechanism and could quickly be converted to an unbreakable one-time tape (OTT) cipher machine by replacing the 6-wheel stack with the so-called RT/CD (Random Tape) option and fitting the bottom of the case with a key tape cassette.

Because of its easily concealable size, the CD-57 was popular with a number of intelligence agencies during the cold War, as well as with many European and other armies.