Cold War-era R-354 spy radio set, codenamed 'Shmel [Bumblebee],' used by spies and special forces of the USSR for reconnaissance purposes. The fully self-contained unit measures 16″ x 12″ x 4.25″. It contains a receiver, transmitter, antenna, and burst transmitter. The built-in burst encoder—a ten-button panel on the right side—allowed pre-coded numerical messages to be sent very rapidly, minimizing the risk of interception. The radio could be operated by a 6V battery stored in the lid, a hand-cranked generator, or an external power supply. The main panel features controls for receiving and transmitting calibration, tuning, and volume, and readouts for tuning frequencies. In very good to fine condition. Accompanied by two modern manuals in German. A desirable example of the spy radio that saw the most widespread use by the Warsaw Pact countries during the Cold War.
