Skip to main content

This auction has ended. View lot details

You may also be interested in

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

A rare mechanical cipher machine or volvelle, English, circa 1800, image 1
A rare mechanical cipher machine or volvelle, English, circa 1800, image 2
Lot 6

A rare mechanical cipher machine or volvelle,
English, circa 1800,

25 September 2019, 13:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge

£10,000 - £15,000

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Scientific Instruments specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Ask about this lot

A rare mechanical cipher machine or volvelle, English, circa 1800,

the red morocco leather covered case hinged to open to a silvered metal circle with fixed band at the circumference engraved with letters of the alphabet and common use short words, and revolving inner disc operated by a handle at the side, engraved with numbers 10 to 99 in sequence, when open 11½in (29cm) diameter

Footnotes

Using a pair of such instruments, confidential correspondence or secret military signals could be sent by converting messages to a numerical code and then subsequently de-coded when both instruments are adjusted to the same setting.

Additional information

Bid now on these items