This holiday season, consider adding a touch of intrigue to the life of the secret agent in your life with a remarkable gift: an OSS crossbow, specially designed for stealth and precision.
OSS Crossbows: A Unique Gift Idea
If you’re trying to find a unique present for that elusive operative who seems to have it all, think about asking Santa for a covert crossbow used by the daring agents of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.
This clandestine weapon was issued to OSS operatives—the U.S. intelligence organization that eventually became the CIA—for discreet operations deep within enemy lines.
Santa has two excellent options to choose from: the compact Little Joe Penetrometer and the larger, shoulder-mounted Big Joe 5.
These crossbows were crafted to be silent killers, ideal for neutralizing targets or conducting assassination missions.
However, tests conducted during World War II highlighted a potential drawback.
If a target was hit, the possibility of a loud cry could alert nearby allies, risking the success of the entire operation.
Collaboration and Development
The collaboration between the American OSS and the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) was key to developing these innovative weapons.
Both agencies aimed to equip their agents with tools that allowed them to operate stealthily and efficiently during wartime.
As mentioned in the “World War II Secret Operations Handbook: S.O.E., O.S.S. & Maquis Guide to Sabotaging the Nazi War Machine,” every weapon was created with one purpose: to engage the enemy effectively.
The handbook outlines a range of silent operational weapons used by operatives, including limpet mines and sleeve pistols, alongside their trusted crossbows for covert kills.
Among the impressive arsenal of over 26,000 items developed for the OSS, three crossbow models stand out: the Little Joe Penetrometer, the Big Joe 5, and the William Tell, each tailored for its own unique mission.
Stealth and Precision: The Little Joe and Big Joe 5
Unlike traditional crossbows that rely on flexible limbs for energy storage, these models utilize fixed limbs with the power generated by 50 rubber bands.
The release occurs with a simple trigger pull.
According to Historynet.com, the Little Joe Penetrometer, weighing just over 2 pounds, resembles a modified pistol with vertical limbs—though some variants featured horizontal ones.
It operates with minimal sound, measured at 72 decibels, which is quieter than a suppressed handgun.
It maintains an impressive accuracy of up to 6 inches at distances reaching 20 yards, achieving a muzzle velocity near 170 feet per second.
Its bolts can effectively penetrate a uniformed soldier from up to 30 yards away.
SpyCraft101 reports that the Little Joe was tested by Captain Homer Williams of the U.S. Sixth Army’s elite reconnaissance unit, the Alamo Scouts.
Active in the Pacific Theater, Williams confirmed the compact crossbow’s power and accuracy.
However, he noted that a hit could cause significant movement from the target, possibly leading to unwanted noise.
On the other hand, the Big Joe 5, true to its name, is a more robust variant of the Little Joe.
Designed for shoulder use, it features a collapsible stock for added concealability.
The Spycraft101 Facebook page points out that while the Big Joe 5 weighs in at a hefty 10 pounds, it delivers a stronger force with a whopping pull weight of 550 pounds.
This powerful crossbow can launch 14-inch aluminum bolts effectively up to 80 yards, and it can also fire a 17-inch incendiary flare with an extended range of 200 yards.
Its design boasts foldable limbs and a collapsible wire stock, making it easy to stash and carry.
Details about the William Tell crossbow are less widely available, but available images suggest it’s a more streamlined version compared to the Big Joe 5.
However, there’s uncertainty about whether this model ever saw action in actual field operations.
A Fascinating Holiday Gift
With such fascinating history woven into their design, these OSS crossbows make for a captivating and unique present this festive season.
Source: Taskandpurpose