An extremely rare Enigma I chiper machine dating: second quarter of the 20th Century provenance: Germany Metallic and bakelite structure in black. With a plaque featuring the serial number A 16539 / jla / 43. The plugboard complete with cables with connectors (some cables slightly damaged). All keys functioning. The inside surface marked with serial number coeval with the plaque; in very good condition. Complete with the light panel, well preserved (lamps missing), and the battery box (without battery). The mechanic is complete with the spindle for the rotors (missing) and disc with the contacts. Provided with an antique, wooden case (small damages on the back surface of the cover, some pitting on the mounts), the front door marked Klappe schliessen; on the inside surface of the cover a metallic plaque for spare lamps, two hooks, clips and braces for spare cables (the spare elements are now missing) and a plaque with instructions, underneath a stamp depicting an eagle on swastika. On the back a leather, transportation handle (damaged). Very scarce object, of unique charm and historical interest. The Enigma machine uses three movable rotors codifying text messages producing encrypted messages then sent, generally via morse code, to the receiver, this one too provided with an Enigma machine featuring the same configuration of the sender in order to decode the message. Initially developed and patented for civilian use, it was soon adopted by German Army which ordered an enhanced version of the commercial model, complete with the three rotors and the plugboard adding a significant cryptologic strength to the machine. The final version was produced from 1932, called the Enigma-I, and German Army got the exclusive production rights. It was built by Heimsoeth und Rinke in Berlin. The Alleys spent years trying to decipher the Enigma code, but things finally changed thanks to the famous United Kingdom's Government Code and Cypher School, based in Bletchley Park. Thank to Polish help and French intelligence, the well-know Alan Turing, together with other members of the senior staff, was able to decrypt the Enigma code, giving a substantial aid to the Allied war effort. dimensions: dimensions custodia 27,7 x 15,5 x 34 cm.