ABSTRACT
Christopher Hutton was a magic buff and was especially fascinated with the escape artist Harry Houdini. Hutton created numerous gadgets that were to help soldiers and pilots if they were captured or shot down behind enemy lines. He is credited with the creating silk maps that pilots and aircrew carried. The silk was sturdier than paper, but it was lightweight. Hutton also designed special buttons that held tiny compasses that were sewn onto aircrew uniforms. And, he created special boots with detachable leggings that could be converted to look like civilian shoes. The heels were hollow and were stuffed with packets of dried food. He also designed an “escaper’s knife” that held a strong blade, three small saw blades, a lock pick, screwdriver, and a wire cutter. Inside the box were a compass, escape knife, and real bank notes hidden under the fake money.
