The CURTA Collectors and Registry Page

A few weeks went by and then one day I got a call. It was my friend, he said to stop by and check something he had out. I did and to my surprise he produced a beautiful type I in a metal can. We worked a deal and it was mine. Thanks John!

I found my type II through the Web. It is in excellent condition in a metal case and a leather carrying case with instruction sheet and sample calculations booklet. Thanks Dave Wheeler

My second type I came from an owner looking for a good home for his old Curta. It's a fairly low serial numbered unit (SN 15045) that has the rounded top on the operation handle. It also requires a lot more force to initiate the turn of the operation handle. Curt must have lowered the force necessary to start the turn on later models. Has anyone else noticed this?

I all but certain that I no longer have my Curta, and it might have been stolen; possible dates are 1990 and 1995.

For ease of viewing, I have loaded the RALLYE magazine scans into the following web page:

http://www.VintageRally.com/gear/curta_rm.html

Pages were scanned full size at 75 dpi. If you want a clearer scan, I can re-do them at 150 dpi. Also heard from Jim Bianchi, who wrote the original article.

Found out later that the STIMSON'S RALLY FACTORS book has a section on "Rallying with the Curta Calculator". A footnote indicates it "has been adapted from A NEW GUIDE TO RALLYING by Larry Reid".

I used to own a Type II, but sold it last year. I'd used it to write an arkle for _Rallye_ magazine in the mid '70s on rallye navigation using one (If anyone has a copy of that issue, I'd much apprec getting it). -- So would I. - Rick

My father is no longer with us, so its history is a little murky - but I know that it actually belonged to his employer, and they gave it to him when he 'retired' since no-one else knew how to use it.

I've never seen an instruction manual, but I do have the original Bakelite case - that left-hand thread on the lid gets me every time.

This is one of my most treasured posessions- yet I still use it often. I am a pilot, and find the Curta to be indespensable as a navigation aid. It can't short out, or run out of batteries in mid-air...

While working in Germany I was returning from by car from a business trip to northern Italy in 1964. I decided to make a small detour through Liechtenstein. I stopped at a lovely hotel in Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital. In the morning I asked the concierge whether it was possible to arrange a visit to the Contina AG factory in Mauren. He said he would check with them and let me know in a few minutes. He returned shortly to tell me that they would be most pleased to welcome me to the plant. I drove over immediately. It only took a few minutes. Nothing within Liechtenstein is very far away. Their sales manager whose name I forget welcomed me. He showed me around the whole factory. It was very impressive for such a relatively small operation. I was particularly interested in the machine that was engraving the shafts with the rotating numbers. The whole visit was very interesting and informative. Thy apparently were already thinking about other products. They showed me portions of movie cameras that they were making at the same time. The cameras were Berlieu or something close to that.

There may be an explanation for the difference in serial numbers. In 1972 I had an internal problem with the CURTA. I was still working in Germany at the time. I phoned Contina AG and asked whether it was possible to get it repaired. They said most assuredly. I sent them the unit and a few weeks later it was returned and it has operated faultlessly since. It appears possible that they may have accidentally switched calculators at the factory.

I don't use my Curta much these days. They haven't come up with a computer interface. Anyhow it is a pleasure and a privilege to own such a wonderful piece craftsmanship, technology and of course history.

I'm so excited, I have had this Curta sitting on my shelf for almost 10 years now. It was given to me by a man I knew for a short time. He thought it might have something to do with flying as I'm a pilot he thought I could get some use of it. I was recently in a Mining Museum in Colorado and they had one on display so I got excited thinking this machine has some mining application. So I looked it up on the Internet and WALAAA lots of information. What a great find.

I now have a lovely Type I. Serial #75395, formerly of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Thanks to collector Richard Fisch for a great deal!

The type II has a plastic left-hand thread case.

Other apocryphal stories I heard over the years:
1) "I used one on a British Navy destroyer for navigation during WW II",
2) "In Russia we had many of these..." Sometimes there is a grain of truth in any of these stories. Comments?

Also, I noticed at the "Science Museum" in Ottawa, where they have an Type I on display which looks like it is in "mint" condition, on the metal case, there was an "O" ring (large diameter, round cross-section rubber ring) just below the threads on the bottom shell of case, just above the "lip" where the top finally rests after being screwed on. Maybe this is original, maybe not (your readers may comment?) - but anyway it is a good idea - make the closed case almost water-tight.

PS. You remember the sqrt algorithm, right? Put the original number in the most significant digits of the result register, then subtract 1, 3, 5 etc. until there is an overdraught (9s). After the overdraught, pop the turning lever down, rotate once to restore the proper value, then pop it up again ready for subtraction". Subtract one on the setting lever for that column, and move the "head" one position clockwise. In the setting lever for this new column, subtract 1, 3, 5, 7, etc. until overdraft, move the setting lever to one less, rotate clockwise etc. etc. This works because the sum of the first "M" odd numbers 1, 3, 5 etc. equals M**2 (thank you Prof. Gauss!).

The Curta II served me well during my undergraduate years at the chemsitry department of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. During the PhD work I then purchased a HP-67 calculator (it costed twice the price of the Curta... ) Despite the heavy use, it is still in very good condition.

I still have the original booklet with the calculations examples in Italian, and also a photocopy of the article published and translated by A. de Man on this website.

Note: I could scan and provide an upload of booklet and article in German, and also from the schemes published in that article (the other pictures are very dark , being a photocopy) if anybody feels the need.

I have taken care of it for thirty years and now I am ready to pass it on.

The earlier type II is black, just like a type I while the other is grey with coloured setting knobs and a squared off crank handle. It would be interesting to know at what serial numbers the changes occured.

I have some Curtas already registered on your list but would like to add another one. It is an early MINT mark 1, serial number 4703, it uses round sliders instead of rectangular ones and has the name "CURTA" in quotes on both the case (which has a right hand thread) and the barrel of the calculator.

Some other features are different, the set screws holding the base on are black instead of being plated, the writing on the base forms a circle and System Curt Herzstark is not written on the base but on the barrel under the "CURTA" name.

Though I had always wanted a Curta as a kid, thanks to the Scientific American ads, they were way out of reach. As I became involved in movie camera work, I became even more appreciative of precision mechanics in general. I was lucky enough to find a brand new Curta II (SN 558124) at the Feldmar Watch Co. in Los Angeles in 1982. It had gone begging for years and I got it at a fire sale price. The second, a Curta I (SN 32597) cost a lot more through a Sotheby's instrument auction in 1997. The second Curta I (SN 20071) came in '98. I continue to look for earlier serial numbers.

My friend, the great Los Angeles camera machinist and architype Irascible Scot, George Randle, loved the Curta because it involved no "Goddam sparks" in its working. It was pretty good, he allowed, even though it was built by "Goddam Krauts!"

I bought it at a federal auction in 1978 when it was being surplussed. The bottom of the calculator and its case have the National Park Service inventory number, NPS # 22797, hand engraved. The manual has a notation in pencil, "Please return to L. B. Riley." The date formula suggests it was made in 1958. The calculator is in excellent condition; its case shows wear, but is otherwise undamaged.

It is transcendentally beautiful.

In the 60's, my interest was renewed when I visited the technical museum in Munic. There is still (as of 2 years ago) a very nice exhibit displayed with history and reference to the concentration camps where the "New Germany" also has photos and history of Mr. Hertstark.

My wife (original from the 60's) and I visit Germany and Europe often. Ellie has "standing orders" to search all the flea markets and antique markets to look for the "pepper grinder with numbers". My quest continues!

I currently am a L-1011 captain with Delta Air Lines and still looking for a Curta. If you know of a mod. 2 (or any) available please let me know.

It is in the original blue Curta box with a serial number #558399 print on the outside. The machine sits in the opposite turning plastic case. I have the original green/white "YOUR CURTA CALCULATOR" fold out instructions, the original tan "COMPUTING EXAMPLES" booklet, a certificate of guarantee with purchase date given by the Curta Company and the business card from the Curta Company.

THE MACHINE WAS NEVER REALLY USED SO IT IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION.
CURTA II
S/N: 558399
CONDITION: EXCELLENT

I AM WILLING TO SELL IT BECAUSE I NEVER REALLY LEARNED HOW TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY. SINCE I WORK IN THE BROADCASTING BUSINESS AND USE An ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR THE DEALS WITH TIMECODE THE CURTA IS OF NO USE TO ME.

Anyway, I digress, there are no instructions. It belonged to her late husband, John, a civil engineer who bought it in approximately 1951.

We both thoroughly enjoyed reading your site. What enthusiasts!

Keep up the good work.

I bough a new Curta Type I SN 61990 in very special condition (mint) with instruction and the original box. I paid the Curta more or less one fourth of the amount of the Curta sold.

** Update **

I have traded my later Curta II for the following: early Curta II, Serial # 507475, black body, early left hand thread case in excellent used condition, all original literature, original box and complete rally case (leather, made in USA) with belt loop and shoulder strap. I am looking also for a complete Curta I (in box with case, all original literature). I have located a "Curta cup" which attatches the Curta to a clipboard for rallying. I am told that a cable was also attatched as another piece of rally gear. Perhaps someone could educate me about this cable affair. I am also looking for an excellent late Curta II,complete with box, original literature to use everyday, as well as a Curta I with all of its literature and box to round off my collection. I have also located a "Curta cup" for a Curta I as well. I will use a Curta II for TSD calculations in the historic rally class for my 1969 MGB roadster, as well as everyday use. I am a RABID Curta fan and have owned three of these fine instruments so far.

** Update **

This is a later mint plastic cased Curta II with a leather "rally" case which was actually a period camera lens case adapted to use with the Curta. This one has a metal zeroing ring. The serial number is 538659. Interstingly it fits into a second "Curta Cup" that I have obtained that is used to mount the calculator to a clipboard for the rally navigator to use, but my first year production Curta II will not fit into the same cup. I will use this one for rallying as it is the correct type in age for my 1969 vintage SCCA rally car. I am interested in obtaining a full compliment of literature for this one as well.

With black plastic case w/ o-ring seat and left hand thread. It is in very fine condition as is the case. the label on the front of the top of the case is slightly damaged, but in all other respects appears to be perfect.

My father and grandfather sold office machines in Guatemala City, Guatemala from 1948 to 1959. They might have been factory dealers. My father has passed away so the details are sketchy.

Originally I was a master automotive technician. Although I am now deeply into computing and networks, nothing will ever fascinate me like the jewel-like mechanical workings of the Curta.

I was fascinated upon finding your site. I am thrilled at how many others revel at owning one of these jewels.

Any ideas as to how to remove it (it's now hard) and can a new packing be obtained.

He says this will be the last machine he can assemble since it uses up the last remaining spare-parts of two out of the over 500 parts. It came in the original black container and looks brand-new. Mr. Kleinecke took down my address and had to be assured that the machine will be appreciated and not just sold. It is a truely marvelous piece of engineering and one has to admire the people who had the skill, the patience and the persistence to think up and produce such a thing.

Mine was owned by an engineer - but it didn't look like it had been used much. Too precious I guess. Anyway, I'd like to say I bought it for 50 cents but I actually paid $US200 and a few aircraft clock parts. Still a bargan!

I am delighted to find this website and look forward to more information.

Curta Type I - Metal Case with right-turning tread

Mine is Type I, serial # 75931, plastic case with the leather "rally case". I still have the original manuals. I am currently looking for the original receipt of purchase which I think that I still have. The Curta is black and in MINT condition, despite use over the years.

I think (but am not sure) that this was purchased directly from Contina AG Mauren (which is stamped on the bottom). I say this because I remember being admonished at the time of purchase that, barring abuse, the machine would need a routine cleaning in 10 years. Although I gather that I have one of the "later" Model I's, I am quite proud of my Curta. (P.S. - This Curta is not for sale.)

Please consider adding my to your list of proud Curta owners.

Sold - 8/20/99 - Sold

I saw a Curta about 20 years ago and fell in love with it. It's owner did not wish to part with it. However, a scientist friend retired recently and presented me with his (which I didn't know he had!). It's in very good condition, black metal case with a few scratches.

Please enter me on your database.

Keep up the good work.

John Bellefleur, a good rally buddy of mine, had spoken to me about your site. I am presently press officer for CARS and Rallye Sport Québec.

I'm glad to join a select club who owns such a weird little machine. I bought my then used Curta in 1968 for 75$ CDN and have rallied a whole lot with the thing. Even ran national events with it before we went to stage format. And won my share of rallies I might add. It has worked thousands of hours and still is in perfect order. I use it sometimes as a calculator or when I organise TSD events.

There was a saying here in Quebec among rally navigators :" You can lend your girlfriend, but never your Curta !"

The story behind this CURTA is that it got dust in it, and the shaft would no longer turn, so my dad gave it to me to try to fix. Using their other CURTA as a guide, I took it apart cleaned and lubricated it, and put it back together again, and to our delight, it worked. The only problem is now it smells like WD-40. ;)

Bought at Stanford University Book Store in late 1960s.

Needs minor servicing. Counting register does not always properly carry to next column properly when subtracting. Since it sometimes works perfectly, I assume something needs lubricating.

I'm still looking for a nice (and not too expansive) Curta II.

I came across this treasure in the early 70's and will never part with it. It is the epitome of exquisite engineering!

Curta I No 10759. The serial no was unreadable due to decomposed bungee in the bottom of the case, but this was cleaned off. I was delighted to find that it was an early one.

From the information on your site, I think this is 1951.

The clearing ring has been broken. The machine has done a lot of hard work, and badly needs cleaning, but it all works.

One day, I realized that I hadn't seen those ads for a while, and maybe they were no longer available. I remembered that the US distributor was in Van Nuys, California, so I called them. The phone still worked, and the fellow I reached said ``I've shut down the business but I still have one unit left. Do you want it?''

So I think that I have the very last Curta officially imported into the USA.

I believe my dad bought the CURTA new while he was working as an engineer for the Highway Department of Minnesota, sometime after 1956.