Swiss NEMA Model 45 Cipher Machine - the successor to Enigma



Only Issue In Case of War Mobilization! Reads the front of this exceptionally pristine NEMA example.



Well-preserved original Swiss NEMA Model 45 cipher machine developed by Zellweger AG in Uster, Switzerland, during World War II as a replacement for the German Enigma Model K that was being used by the Swiss Army. The machine is also known as T-D, which stands for Tasten-Drücker Maschine (key-press machine).



The electro-mechanical wheel-based cipher machine features ten wheels: four electrical rotors with 26 contacts at each end, one electrical reflector with 26 pairwise cross connected contacts, and five drive wheels that control the stepping of the rotors and reflector. The stepping mechanism is adjustable and irregular, making the machine much less predictable than its predecessor, and therefore far more difficult to crack.



This wartime NEMA machine was stored away to be used in the event of a war, the three-language label on the lid reads (translated), "Only issue in case of war mobilization!", and shows only minor signs of wear. It is in very good working condition and accompanied by an operator's manual as well as two original keys to the metal NEMA carrying case. And the original external power cord and external lamp panel are also included.



During WWII, the Swiss Army used a modified version of the German-made commercial Enigma Model K machine. After the Swiss discovered that their Enigma K traffic was being read by both the Allied forces and the Germans, they started the development of their own improved machine, which they called NEMA, derived from "NEue MAschine [NEw MAchine]."



During WWII, Switzerland was prepared to defend its sovereignty through fortification, surveillance and extremely well-planned defense strategies. The country also adopted a zero-tolerance policy against airspace violations. Switzerland prioritized cautious preparation and was ready if attacked. This example of arguably the best designed cipher machine to come out of WW II and shines with Swiss inventiveness and design. The Swiss Military's neutrality in WW II and independence were something that was never to be questioned, even when faced with this ultimate threat to their sovereignty, it would be defended to the end. As the Enigma was developed in secret as far back as early 1930's for use with Germany needing to immediately and illegally build up their army, so the Swiss Military did the same, though under much dire war-time circumstances with entering the war an increasingly urgent and likely scenario as Germany became more and more desperate.



The NEMA cipher machine was developed between 1941 and 1943, and the first prototype was ready in early 1944. After a few modifications and improvements, the machine was finally approved in March 1945. Production started in 1946, with the first machines entering service in 1947. The NEMA was used by the Swiss Army in the years following WWII, and by the Swiss Diplomatic Service. The NEMA was officially declassified in 1992.

Our expert notes that the machine can safely and easily be powered on once the side input is connected to a flashlight battery terminal.



Estimate: $16,000 - 20,000