This is so freaking cool: via io9, real-life Victorian espionage gadgets.

Man, Griffin from Widdershins totally needs one of those camera watches. Check out the whole article for more coolness, including a gun hidden in a ring. Steampunk James Bond is sounding more like a historical possibility all the time.
Very cool! I wonder about the film. If you were a spy pressed for time, this camera might be a little dangerous. 😉
I have no idea! Did they even use film then, or was it still plates? Either way, someone was crazy inventive.
Genius, wasn’t it? I didn’t even think about plates! One shot was all they got, I bet. Then close it up and get out without breaking the exposure. Eek.
I suspect some of these things weren’t entirely practical when it came to actual usage in the field…although I’d say the same thing about some of the later gadgets which were actually used, so what do I know?!
wow, that is SO cool! LOVE it!