Ingenious Gadgets: Guess the Obscure Purpose of Over 100 Eccentric Contraptions. This item is unavailable.Ingenious Gadgets: Guess the Obscure Purpose of Over 100 Eccentric Contraptions

More mind-boggling technology from the days of yore. Maurice Collins' collection of bizarre and ingenious gadgets will engage and amuse everyone. Marvel at the ingenuity of the cuff holder which, as legend has it, was used by cardsharps at the poker table to hide the ace up their sleeves; find out how to make the perfect camping cuppa 1920s style; and decide whether the 1920s electric comb really could prevent hair loss. If you thought that phone cameras were a great invention find out more about the watch camera of the 1900s; if you've always found shaving too taxing, there is an automatic shaving cream filler and brush in the collection which allowed you to save time in that early morning rush to work - who knows why this never took off?! Fascinating and humorous, More Eccentric Contraptions will continue to intrigue and amuse and is a testament to human ingenuity and resourcefulness.

As well as being a passionate collector of gadgets, Maurice Collins also has extraordinary collections of posters and printed ephemera and gives regular talks about his collections. He is the co-founder of the charity Kith & Kids, which provides a range of services to families with disabled children and has been awarded an OBE for his services to disabled people. He has also been the chairman of Haringey Mencap and Mencap London Region. He lives in North London.