WW2 SOE Merlin Spy Camera with Film and Pigeon Leg Film Container hidden in Tin of Clotted Cream

WW2 SOE Merlin Spy Camera with Film and Pigeon Leg Film Container hidden in Tin of Clotted Cream.

Issued by SOE M19 This Merlin Spy Camera was made by the United Optical Instruments Company circa 1936

This SOE Camera was hidden in a collated cream tin. 
It also comes with a  roll of unused film in a waterproof plastic Container, this container was clipped to a carrier pigeons leg and the pigeon was sent ‘home’.
The Condition is very good, button and winder works. The camera would have been used by Spys to film documents or stationery objects. The camera measures 5cm x 5cm x 4cm.
We make no claim that the film could still be used and is unexposed.

A super rare WW2 item from the British SOE.

USA, Canada and overseas customers please email vigomilitaria@gmail.com before trying to purchase.

Setting Europe Ablaze.

In June 1940, a new volunteer force - the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - was set up to wage a secret war. Its agents were mainly tasked with sabotage and subversion behind enemy lines. They had an influential supporter in Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who famously ordered them to 'set Europe ablaze!'

SOE's director of operations was Commando officer Brigadier Colin Gubbins whose interest in irregular warfare originated from his service during the Irish War of Independence (1919-21). Gubbins had also been involved in planning to establish a sabotage force to work behind the lines during any German invasion of Britain.

Gubbins’s approach to warfare included blowing up trains, bridges and factories, as well as fostering revolt and guerrilla warfare in enemy-occupied countries.

After completing a gruelling training regime, SOE agents were parachuted into occupied Europe and the Far East to work with resistance movements. Many were serving soldiers, often with Commando training, but others joined directly from civilian life.

Women also joined up. Some were enlisted in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) to disguise their secret work. These were the only women permitted a combat role during the Second World War.