Levels Antiques

Description

A fascinating Curta Type I calculator or calculating machine, with its serial number of 65174 dating it to September 1966, with container and instructions. Curt Herzstark originally worked on the design in his homeland of Austria in the late 1930’s but with Jewish heritage was incarcerated in Buchenwald Concentration Camp during the war, and forced to work on the design there, supposedly as the authorities wished to give the first as a gift to the Fuhrer as a victory gift at the end of the war. After WWII, Herzstark relocated from Weimar to Western Germany and from there moved to Liechtenstein, where production started in 1947, finishing in November 1970, although sales continued until 1973. There were two versions produced, the Type I, of which approximately 80,000 were produced, and the slightly larger Type II, of which approximately 60,000 were produced. The Type I has 8 sliders for data entry, a 6 digit revolution counter and an 11 digit result counter. The Type II has 11 sliders for data entry, a 8 digit revolution counter and a 15 digit result counter. Their similarity in shape to a hand grenade gained them the nickname of the “Math Grenade”. Offered in good condition, having passed the TGB test, albeit there is a small nick to the base plate where the serial number is and the winding handle is dirty, but overall these aren't noticeable. It doesn't appear to have had that much use. The price includes insured postage within the UK. Please also see the Curta II I have for sale, also owned by the same person, which dates to June 1970 and thus suggests this one wasn't used that much.