Items Similar to 1964 Metal Type I Mechanical Calculator by Curta
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14
1964 Metal Type I Mechanical Calculator by Curta
About the Item
Rare 1964 Vintage Curta Type 1 Mechanical Calculator With serial number 10315, the "Curta", a hand-held mechanical calculator that can calculate basic arithmetic functions, was invented by Curt Herzstark.
Resembling a compact coffee or pepper grinder, this remarkable device boasted high precision and could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Operated by sliding levers on its side to set digits and a top handle turned clockwise, the Curta was capable of fitting in the palm of one's hand. In the accompanying images, a Curta is depicted with the value "012345789" configured on its side levers. The digits displayed in the black area atop the calculator represented the accumulator, storing the ongoing result. Conversely, the digits in the white area represented the counter, indicating the number of crank revolutions.
Each turn of the crank incremented the counter (displayed in the white area) and added "12345789" to the accumulator (displayed in the black area). A ring mechanism was utilized to clear both the accumulator and counter.
In 1946 Curt was able to register a continuing patent on the invention in Vienna, but to begin mass production it was necessary to find funding. He tried unsuccessfully to raise money until he was invited to the palace of the Prince of Lichtenstein who offered to fund the production of the calculator. The production of the "Curta", based on the plans completed in Buchenwald, commenced in 1949.
The "Curta" was produced until 1972, when it was superseded by the electronic calculator.
4.33"L x 2.17"W
- Dimensions:Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1964
- Condition:Minor fading. excellent. The arrow switch/dial on the back (photo 7) will not move, all other switches/dials move smoothly. Serial number inside does match outside.
- Seller Location:Van Nuys, CA
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.6
Gold Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations.
Established in 1969
1stDibs seller since 2012
1,095 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Van Nuys, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Rare Copper World Table Lighter by Broyles & Associates. circa 1964Located in Van Nuys, CARare 1964 Mid-century designed world table lighter by Broyles & Associates featuring casted copper world plate on resin body. Text on bottom of the li...Category
Vintage 1960s American Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsResin
- Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorationsLocated in Van Nuys, CAVintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations. $975 This large cross is made of a beautiful pair of dark wood logs, then extensively decorated with metal elements ...Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
MaterialsMetal
- Art Deco Spelter Metal Nude Greek Goddess Torch Tip Table LighterLocated in Van Nuys, CANude Greek Goddess spelter metal torch tip table lighter featuring a nude flapper gilded in bronze. The urn next to her contains the oil and striker with the...Category
Vintage 1930s Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsSpelter
- Rare Hand Machined Willys Jeep Ges-Gesch Table Lighter, West Germany by by BaierLocated in Van Nuys, CAOriginal polished aluminum and rubber late 1940s "Baier Willys Jeep & Trailer Table Lighter & Ashtray made by the Walter Baier Company, in U.S. occupied G...Category
Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsAluminum
- Original 1950 Stripped Table Lighter by HiltonLocated in Van Nuys, CAOriginal chrome Stripped table lighter by Hilton with push button flint lock. Labeled "Hilton Japan".Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsChrome
- Medieval Knight Helmet Chrome Eletric Lighter by OmscoLocated in Van Nuys, CAThe Vintage Knight Chrome Electric Lighter by Osco is a classic and elegant piece of smoking paraphernalia crafted with precision and attention to detail, this lighter is a testament...Category
Vintage 1940s American Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsChrome
You May Also Like
- CURTA Type II Mechanical CalculatorLocated in Mexico City, MXAn important CURTA Type II mechanical calculator by Cortina Ltd. Mauren. Made in Liechtenstein, manufactured in april 1954. Serial number 503108. Black body with 11 digits for data e...Category
Vintage 1950s Scientific Instruments
MaterialsMetal
- "Magic Mouse" Mechanical Bank, Japan, circa 1964Located in Incline Village, NVFor the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Toys
MaterialsTin
- Vintage Lehmann Mechanical Metal Toys with Colonial ThemeLocated in Copenhagen, KVery nice and funny looking Lehmann mechanical toys, from circa 1920, with colonial theme. Ostrich is sold.Category
Early 20th Century German Toys and Dolls
MaterialsMetal
- Collection of Twenty Metal Dogs of Various TypesLocated in London, GBCollection of twenty metal dogs of various types Continental, circa 1900 Measures: Largest height 6cm, width 16cm, depth 7.5cm Smallest height 4cm, width 7cm, depth 2cm This ch...Category
Early 20th Century European Models and Miniatures
MaterialsMarble, Metal, Bronze
- Collection of Seven Metal Dogs of Various TypesLocated in London, GBCollection of seven metal dogs of various types Continental, circa 1900 Measures: Largest: Height 17cm, width 27cm, depth 20cm Smallest: Height 6cm, width 13cm, depth 7cm This charming collection contains seven model dogs, each of a different material, from a different country, and of a different species. The collection includes a pair of silvered metal setters, a patinated metal pit bull, and a large gilt bronze spaniel seated on a marble podium.Category
Early 20th Century European Animal Sculptures
MaterialsMetal, Bronze
- Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical InstrumentLocated in Hele, Devon, GBThis is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Beautifully pre...Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
MaterialsBrass
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Prisoner Ring
Nazi Memorabilia
William Sampson
American Machine Age Furniture
Chinese Wooden Block Printing Set
Omas Return To The Motherland
Locomotive Bell
Vintage Police Siren
Vintage Shovelhead
Vornado Vintage Fan Black
Antique Absinthe Accessories
Antique German Kugel Ornament
Brandy Grog
Coke Bottle Opener Vintage
Copper Rum Cup
Freak Show Advertisement
Huffy Vintage Beach Cruiser
Ice Ax