Uncommon World War II–era Hagelin C-38 mechanical pin-and-lug cipher machine manufactured in Sweden, measuring 7˝ x 5.25˝ x 3.5˝, missing the identification plate from the front of the locking case, but marked with serial number "1466" inside. Held inside the top of the case are the oiler, paper tape, and tweezers. Complete with two original Zeiss Ikon keys, used to lock and unlock the case and device's upper panel. Also includes a Signal Corps canvas carrying bag, marked "CS-76-B," containing five spare reels of paper tape, a bottle of purple ink, TM11-380 War Department Technical Manual, US Army Engineer School Signal Operation Instructions (1954), US Army Engineer School Radio Telephone Procedure Instructions (1956), and three examples of Signal Corps Message Book M-210.
The Hagelin C-38 is a portable hand-operated mechanical cipher machine initially developed in the late 1930s by the entrepreneur and inventor, Boris Hagelin. Hagelin fled Sweden for the United States at the outbreak of WWII and worked with the US Military to refine his cipher machine design: this collaboration resulted in the M-209, which is functionally identical to the C-38; in effect the C-38 can be seen as the civil version of the M-209. Some minor differences include the lid locking mechanisms and leather, rather than canvas, carrying strap.
The relationship between Hagelin and the US goes much deeper than the collaborations during WWII: a February 2020 article in the Washington Post detailed the secret relationship Hagelin had with the CIA and German Intelligence services. The development of the M-209 led to one of the biggest intelligence operations in CIA history, known as 'Operation Rubicon.' In this operation the CIA used their secret technique to allow them to read all of the M-209 and other Hagelin cipher machine-enciphered messages until 2018.
This rotor-based cipher machine does not require electricity and is lightweight and durable, making it perfectly suited for tactical front line use. While the code generated by the device was not as strong as the Enigma code, and could sometimes be read within 4 to 24 hours by the Germans, it was considered secure enough for tactical messages that were of no value after that length of time. The key is set by using the six adjustable cipher wheels with moveable lugs. Text is entered letter-by-letter using the selector wheel on the left side, and the encoded output letter is printed on the narrow paper strip.
