M1 German Enigma Machine

Accession Number AWM2016.204.1
Collection type Technology
Object type Communications equipment
Location Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 1 - Mediterranean: Crete
Place made Germany
Date made c 1943
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Encryption machine. Consists of a device with four main components. A switchboard board (similar to a telephone switchboard), a typewriter keyboard, a light board, and three rotors. The device is housed within an oak box, hinged at the rear, with a top opening lid and a drop down front leaf. Serial number M755.

History / Summary

These machines were used by the German armed forces to encrypt messages, before the messages were relayed to a recipient by morse code. The Memorial's machine was donated by the former Defence Signals Directorate. Its previous provenance is unknown.

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