Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hidden Spy Device Discovered in 1945 Artwork

8/28/2025

34 5

Summary

Story summary

A hidden listening device, "The Thing," was found in a 1945 artwork after seven years undetected by US security.
The device was concealed in a hand-carved Great Seal given to US Ambassador W Averell Harriman by Russian boy scouts.
This incident underscores the use of art for espionage during World War II.
A documentary detailing the device's history will be screened on September 27 at Bletchley Park, UK.

1 of 1

Story summary

A hidden listening device, "The Thing," was found in a 1945 artwork after seven years undetected by US security.
The device was concealed in a hand-carved Great Seal given to US Ambassador W Averell Harriman by Russian boy scouts.
This incident underscores the use of art for espionage during World War II.
A documentary detailing the device's history will be screened on September 27 at Bletchley Park, UK.