17 Spy Gadgets Used During the Cold War (1947-1991)

The Cold War wasn’t just a battle of ideologies, but of secrets as well. This era of tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was marked by espionage, secret operations, and a relentless arms race. In a world where every move could be watched, spies needed more than just a sharp mind, they relied on some of the most astounding spy inventions ever created. From hidden cameras to concealed weapons, these spy tools were designed to gather information and sabotage enemies. We hope you’re ready for a glimpse into the Cold War, because here are 17 spy gadgets used during the time.

1. Shoe Transmitter

Brown leather shoe with the sole partly removed, revealing a hidden compartment containing wiring and a device. The inner heel section is detached and placed beside the shoe.
u/baba_jaga_II/via reddit

This radio transmitter was concealed in the heel to monitor private conversations. We’d never assume to check someone’s shoe for a microphone.

2. The lipstick gun

Close-up of a metallic cylinder device with an attached textured wheel on one end. The device is placed vertically against a warm yellow background. A separate, cylindrical cap with a small knob is nearby, casting a shadow.
u/joyofmuseums/Wikimedia commons/ cc by-sa

This ingenious invention was used by female spies during the Cold War. It was designed to look exactly like women’s lipstick, so female spies could get a weapon into places secretly.

3. Disappearing Ink Pens

A white pen rests diagonally on a lined notepad, illuminated by blue and purple lighting. Some text is visible on the paper, though not clearly readable. The scene has a moody, colorful ambiance.
u/jwoytk01/via reddit

Though these pens are often associated with pranks, they were extremely useful when trying to hide messages from the enemy during the Cold War.

4. The umbrella gun

A black umbrella with a handle designed like a rifle stock, shown closed and then open. The handle imitates the wood finish and form of a rifle's grip, contrasting with the umbrella's sleek black canopy.
u/dkrule1/via reddit

Much like the lipstick gun, this gadget was used to sneak a weapon into top-secret places.

5. The Pipe Radio

A brown wooden smoking pipe is shown with its mouthpiece detached. The interior reveals a complex mechanical structure, partially visible through the opening. The background is a plain white surface.
u/spycraft101/via reddit

This vintage pipe was fitted with a micro radio that allowed agents to transmit conversations to other undercover agents. We’re curious if you could actually use it as a pipe.

6. The Hollow Silver Dollar

A silver American dollar coin, partially eclipsed by its shadow, is positioned against a plain white background. The coin features the image of an eagle and the words "United States of America" and "One Dollar.
Getarchive.net

This simple yet effective device allowed spies to conceal messages or film, and nonchalantly pass it to their fellow agents.

7. Cigarette Case Microphone and Camera

A vintage Zeiss Ikon camera next to an open Parliament cigarette pack. The cigarette pack is partially torn and lying on its side, showcasing its retro design. The camera features two dials and a shiny metallic body.
u/cia spy museum/getarchive.net

As cigarette cases were extremely popular at this time, it seemed inconspicuous when someone pulled one out during an important meeting. Little did they know, there was a microphone inside.

8. Charlie the Robot Fish

A realistic model of a catfish is displayed on a light blue background. The model shows the catfish's whisker-like barbels, smooth body, and fins in detail.
u/youneshlal7/via reddit

This robot fish was developed to collect underwater signals from Russian crafts.

9. Coat Button Cameras

Close-up of a dark gray woolen coat with two metallic buttons. The fabric has a slightly textured appearance, and a part of a pocket flap is visible at the bottom left.
u/global_upp/via reddit

It’s amazing that during the Cold War, we could fit tiny cameras inside coat buttons. These cameras could capture important information during the war.

10. Pigeon Camera

A taxidermy pigeon stands on a white perch with a small cylindrical camera strapped to its chest. The camera has "A Pigeon Camera" written on it, and the pigeon has a brown and gray feathered body. The background is plain white.
u/rama/wikimedia commons/cc by-sa

It would be cool if this was a robotic pigeon with a camera on it, but pigeon cameras were just cameras strapped onto the poor birds. In other words, we use pigeons as spies.

11. The Spy Ring

A vintage gold ring with an intricate engraved design features a small hidden compartment. The compartment is open, revealing an inner mechanism. The ring has an antique, ornate appearance.
u/jewlerygeek/via reddit

Just in case the enemy found your pipe radio, and your button camera, this spy ring contained a camera and a microphone to capture evidence against the opposing side.

12. Poison Dart Umbrella

A person holds a transparent, dome-shaped umbrella with red and black accents. The umbrella's structure and ribs are visible. The background includes a grassy area and a paved path.
u/got-milk74/via reddit

For non-lethal missions, this device was used to knock out the enemy. Once they were unconscious, they could be transported to a private area and interrogated.

13. False Bottom Briefcase

Open metallic box with a hinged lid, wires, and small mechanical components inside. It is placed on a wooden surface, with a stove and a framed picture partially visible in the background.
u/elpisu/via reddit

This briefcase had a hidden compartment for secret documents and gadgets. You’d think during war times this would be caught easily, but this gadget worked surprisingly well.

14. The Lighter-Camera

Four disassembled spy cameras are on a wooden surface. The parts include metal casings and internal mechanisms, with one camera partially assembled. The top camera is labeled "Echa 8.
u/sbloovie/via reddit

There’s nothing more inconspicuous than lighting up a cigarette during a stressful meeting, little do the other people in the room know they’re being recorded.

15. Mirror glasses

Close-up of a person wearing glasses with mirrors on the inner sides of the lenses, allowing them to see behind. The person's eye is visible through the mirror reflection. The background is white.
u/khanrad/via reddit

Though not as extravagant as some of the other items on this list, these glasses were amazing for looking at someone without them knowing you’re looking at them.

16. Camera Watch

Person using a smartwatch on their wrist with a visible image on the screen. A smartphone is positioned in the background on a stand. The setting appears to be a tech-friendly environment.
via reddit

At this point, you might as well throw a tiny camera in every article of clothing you have. We assume every agent had roughly 10 cameras on them.

17. Pen Camera

Close-up of a person holding a textured black pen with a silver clip. Blurred background shows handwritten notes on papers, an open laptop, and a white coffee cup on a desk.
vIa reddit

Last but certainly not least, is the pen camera. Though probably the most obvious of all the cameras, this little gadget was responsible for transmitting tons of information.