A British Typex Cipher Machine
ENGLISH CIRCA 1938
Price Realised USD 25,000
Estimate
USD 20,000 - USD 30,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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A British Typex Cipher Machine
ENGLISH CIRCA 1938
Price Realised USD 25,000
Price Realised USD 25,000
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- This lot is offered by Christie's IncChristie's Inc
20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, 10020, USA
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Fax: +1 212 636 2399
Lot Essay
Typex is the UK adaption of the German Enigma machine. This wheel-based electro-mechanical cipher machine was developed in 1934 by Wing Commander OGW Lywood and the first batch of 30 Typex Mark I machines were supplied to the RAF in 1937.
The Typex Mark II was created the year after, this model was much larger than the Enigma machine as it incorporated 2 printers: one for plain text and one for ciphertext.
Typex Mark III was a handle-operated variant (it was also possible to attach a motor drive) designed for use in the field as a more portable version of the original Typex machine.
Typex machines continued in use long after World War II. Although in the UK they were replaced in the 1950s by modern encryption machines in other commonwealth countries their use continued into the 1960s and 1970s.
The Typex Mark II was created the year after, this model was much larger than the Enigma machine as it incorporated 2 printers: one for plain text and one for ciphertext.
Typex Mark III was a handle-operated variant (it was also possible to attach a motor drive) designed for use in the field as a more portable version of the original Typex machine.
Typex machines continued in use long after World War II. Although in the UK they were replaced in the 1950s by modern encryption machines in other commonwealth countries their use continued into the 1960s and 1970s.
Lot 4
Sale 10890
ENGLISH CIRCA 1938
A British Typex Cipher Machine
Estimate: USD 20,000 - 30,000
Bid amount
Buyer's premium
Estimated total cost exclusive of customs duties/charges and tariffs