Crypto Galleries
Over the past 25 years, I have visited countless private collectors and museums dedicated to the history of cryptography and encryption technology. During this time, I have taken thousands of photographs of encryption machines and related tools. In addition, friends and readers have generously contributed many photos to this collection.
This website presents photo galleries covering a wide range of encryption machines and cryptographic techniques. The focus is very much on visual documentation. Visitors who are looking for in‑depth technical explanations or detailed historical background are highly recommended to explore the excellent resources provided by the Crypto Museum, run by Paul Reuvers and Marc Simons, or the Cipher Machines page by Ralph Simpson.
Alexander von Kryha (1891–1955) developed a number of encryption machines. While he marketed his devices professionally, he refused to acknowledge their technical shortcomings.
The Siemens & Halske T52 was a German encryption machine used during World War II. It was also known as the “Geheimschreiber” (“secret teleprinter”).
Cipher cylinders are among the oldest encryption devices.
The idea of encrypting text by means of musical notation is centuries old. Over the years, many different concepts for such musical ciphers have been developed.
This gallery presents the most beautiful books from my Encrypted Book List.
In the end credits of the Hollywood film Fair Game (2010), some letters are highlighted. These marked letters appear to form a hidden code, but so far no one has succeeded in deciphering it.
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