"The Cold War Relics Auction Featuring The KGB Espionage Museum Collection" is the world's first and most comprehensive auction event offering some of the rarest and most important artifacts from the U.S, Soviet Union and Cuba during the Cold War era ever to be assembled and offered at auction. The history memorabilia event of the season will take place on Saturday, February 13th, 2021 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills and live online at juliensauctions.com.
13. spy purse
A Soviet KGB spy purse used by female operatives, designed to hold a concealed FED camera. An emblem on the side of the purse, shaped like a fly, opens up to allow the camera to capture an image. The purse, which is lined with Vataline material to conceal sound, has come to be known as "The Fly." Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Photo: SWNS.com
14. spy cigarettes
A Soviet KGB spy pack of Holiday brand cigarettes containing a hidden camera, with the lens operating through a small grill on the side. 3 1/2 by 2 1/4 by 1 inches. Estimate: $600-$800. Photo: SWNS.com
15. spy silk necktie
A Soviet KGB spy silk necktie with a hidden "Tochka-58" camera concealed with use of a fake tie clip. Includes hand activated shutter release mechanism. Also includes a reproduction photograph of a similar tie and how it was to be worn, as well as an additional regular tie clip and a fake tie clip with camera lens. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Photo: SWNS.com
16. "bugged"
A wooden reproduction of the carved American Great Seal plaque which was gifted to the American ambassador to Russia in 1945 by the Soviet Boy Scouts, and which contained a hidden microphone listening device or "bug." The discovery was kept secret for years by the US until tensions between the two superpowers exploded in the media after an American U2 spy plane was shot down over Russia in 1960. As a rebuttal to Russian claims that the US was spying on them the plaque and it's hidden microphone (aka The Thing) was revealed during corresponding court proceedings. Photo: SWNS.com