Scat Subminiature Spy Camera, ca. 1950s, Italian, Aluminium Body with Box
CHF 240.00
The Scat subminiature spy camera represents a fascinating chapter in Cold War-era covert photography equipment. Manufactured in Italy during the 1950s, this diminutive camera exemplifies the period's fascination with ultra-compact photographic tools designed for discreet operation. The name "Scat" is clearly engraved on the top plate, and the camera retains its original branded box with the distinctive blue-and-white shield logo.
Constructed primarily of aluminium alloy with a machined finish, the body features a black textured leatherette covering on the main body panels. The top and bottom plates are polished aluminium, now showing an honest patina consistent with age. The camera employs a simple meniscus lens in a fixed-focus mount, typical of economy subminiature spy cameras of the period. A central knurled knob on the top plate serves as the film advance mechanism, with two red indicator dots visible to assist in frame counting. The right side of the body incorporates a simple viewfinder window.
The camera uses 16mm film, likely loaded via cartridges or hand-cut from 35mm stock, producing tiny negatives that required contact printing or significant enlargement. The shutter mechanism appears to be a simple two-speed design, operated by the dual-button arrangement on the top plate. Build quality is utilitarian rather than precision-grade, reflecting the camera's positioning as an affordable spy camera for amateur use or as a novelty rather than professional intelligence work.
Condition is good for the type. The aluminium shows surface oxidation, minor scuffing, and age-appropriate wear. The leatherette covering remains intact with no losses. The original box survives with the Scat shield emblem still legible, though the cardboard shows age spotting, edge wear, and surface soiling. The camera displays well and would appeal to collectors of Italian subminiature cameras, Cold War spy equipment, or post-war covert photographic devices.
Material: Aluminium alloy body, black textured leatherette covering, glass lens
Constructed primarily of aluminium alloy with a machined finish, the body features a black textured leatherette covering on the main body panels. The top and bottom plates are polished aluminium, now showing an honest patina consistent with age. The camera employs a simple meniscus lens in a fixed-focus mount, typical of economy subminiature spy cameras of the period. A central knurled knob on the top plate serves as the film advance mechanism, with two red indicator dots visible to assist in frame counting. The right side of the body incorporates a simple viewfinder window.
The camera uses 16mm film, likely loaded via cartridges or hand-cut from 35mm stock, producing tiny negatives that required contact printing or significant enlargement. The shutter mechanism appears to be a simple two-speed design, operated by the dual-button arrangement on the top plate. Build quality is utilitarian rather than precision-grade, reflecting the camera's positioning as an affordable spy camera for amateur use or as a novelty rather than professional intelligence work.
Condition is good for the type. The aluminium shows surface oxidation, minor scuffing, and age-appropriate wear. The leatherette covering remains intact with no losses. The original box survives with the Scat shield emblem still legible, though the cardboard shows age spotting, edge wear, and surface soiling. The camera displays well and would appeal to collectors of Italian subminiature cameras, Cold War spy equipment, or post-war covert photographic devices.
Material: Aluminium alloy body, black textured leatherette covering, glass lens
Condition notes
Good condition with age-appropriate wear. Aluminium body shows surface oxidation, patina, and minor scuffing consistent with use. Black leatherette covering intact with no losses or lifting. Shutter functional. Original box survives with age spotting, edge wear, and surface soiling consistent with period cardboard packaging.
scat
subminiature camera
italian camera
spy camera
16mm camera
1950s camera
miniature photography
aluminium camera