From the assassin’s sleeve to the spy’s cigarette case, history is packed with strange, inventive weapons designed to deceive, surprise, or conceal. These tools weren’t always made for the battlefield—they were often crafted for espionage, escape, or moments when the element of surprise meant survival. Some were ingenious. Others were downright bizarre.
Here are 7 obscure and fascinating hidden weapons you probably never knew existed:
This terrifyingly creative piece was a knuckle duster, a folding knife, and a revolver—all in one. Designed by French gangsters known as “Les Apaches,” it had no barrel and could barely hit a target at a distance. But for up-close intimidation? Perfect.
Developed for the U.S. Navy during WWII, this single-shot .38 pistol was built into a leather glove. A metal plunger near the knuckles allowed the user to fire the weapon simply by making a fist and punching. Intended for close-quarters combat, especially during boarding missions.
Nicknamed the “Kiss of Death,” this Cold War-era Soviet device looked exactly like a tube of lipstick. Inside was a single-shot 4.5mm weapon. Female spies could carry it undetected, adding deadly force to deception.
Also favored by KGB and Stasi agents, this was a functioning firearm disguised as a cigarette case. Some versions held small-caliber rounds and could be fired without opening the case. Compact and lethal for up-close eliminations.
Designed by engineer Louis Marquis and commissioned by the SS, this weapon had four barrels concealed in a belt buckle. It could fire small rounds by pressing a hidden trigger—impractical, yes, but perfect for a desperate last shot in captivity.
Pen guns have existed since the 19th century and were often single-shot weapons capable of firing .22 or .25 caliber rounds. Many were disguised so well that they could pass undetected even under close scrutiny—until someone pulled the trigger.
These hybrids have been around for centuries. Often used by gamblers, outlaws, or prisoners, they blend melee and firearm functionality. Some look like pocket knives with a surprise bullet chamber; others resemble short swords with hidden barrels.
Each of these weapons emerged in a time and place where concealment was everything. They were often a last resort or a silent equalizer. While many were impractical in combat, they symbolized ingenuity, desperation, and the ever-evolving relationship between form and function in weapon design.
These aren’t the guns or blades you’ll find on standard collector walls—but maybe that’s the point. They challenge our ideas of what weapons can be and remind us that sometimes, the most dangerous tools are the ones you never see coming.
