The KGB was known to be one of the most notoriously covert and ruthless spies during the Cold War Era and they had many gadgets at their disposal to aid them in spying techniques. I’ve been watching ‘The Americans’ lately and the TV show utilise many gadgets that help the protagonists spy on the American Government. Of course, it got me thinking what devices were actually used in the real world and I decided to compile a list for ya”ll.

1. A Dual Cyanide Gun

© International Spy Museum

This gun has been used in various scenarios, however, there is one particularly famous case where KGB officer Bogdan Stashinsky killed two Ukrainian nonconformists in Germany. The gun was so small that it was used while it was hidden inside a rolled-up newspaper. 

2. Used by some sexy KGB officers, circa 1965

© International Spy Museum

3. Equipment used for tapping telephone lines. 

© International Spy Museum

4. Glove Pistol 

© International Spy Museum

The Glove Pistol was developed by the US Navy but was later copied and perfected by the KGB. The gun works when the pistol is shoved into the enemy’s body. 

5. Hollow Coin For Micro Film Storage 

© International Spy Museum

The hollow coin was developed by the KGB in order to transport films that consisted secret or sensitive content. It was never easy to smuggle top secret information, especially when you were being tracked by the FBI or the CIA. 

6. Jacket Hidden Camera 

© International Spy Museum

7. A case that safely conceals an AK-47

© International Spy Museum

8. A tracking device inside the heel of a shoe 

© International Spy Museum

9. An umbrella that shot poison darts 

© International Spy Museum

This umbrella was used to kill a Bulgarian dissident on the streets of London. Writer Georgi Markov was killed in 1978 by a KGB agent. He was travelling to work and while waiting for a bus, he felt a sting on his leg. He saw a man raising an umbrella which is similar to the one in the above picture. He was poisoned with ricin and died three days later. The pellet used in the umbrella gun was the size of a pinhead. 

10. Hollow dead drop spy bolt 

© International Spy Museum