SKIRMISHER

This fine World War 2 Enigma machine is currently up for auction on eBay. So if you have about a dozen grand lying around (who doesn’t?) just waiting for you to piss it away, here’s your great chance. You can start sending Enigma-encrypted messages to your friends and no one would have an idea what the turd you’re talking about.

The Enigma machine, introduced in 1923 by the Chiffriermaschinen Aktien-Gesellschaft (Cipher Machines Stock Corporation), was used by the Germans to encrypt messages during World War II. With eight days left in the auction, the current bid on this specimen is $10,100 and the reserve has not been met. According the auction listing, this Enigma is in “museum condition” and includes extra lamps.

Based on electronic typewriters invented in the 1920s, the infamous Enigma encryption machines of World War II were controlled by wheels set with the code du jour. Each letter typed would illuminate the appropriate character to send in the coded message.

Stumble it!