Mechanical Calculator - CURTA Model II, 1966

Search the collections

Summary:: CURTA mechanical calculator. Model II. Made by Cortina AG. Mauren, Vaduz in Liechtenstein, 1966. The CURTA 'pepper-grinder' type mechanical calculator was re-designed from memory by Curt Herzstark while he was a prisoner in Buchenwald concentration camp during the Second World War from his 1938 Austrian patent. The first example was manufactured in Liechtenstein in 1947. The eleven 0-9 sliders on the side are input figures and sight holes in the top provide a readout. Calculations are performed by the rotating handle and/or the rotating top of the drum. The CURTA can perform addition, subtraction, division, roots, squares and many other calculations. The retail price in 1966 for this model was US$120.00 in a metal carrying case.
Description:: CURTA mechanical calculator.
Acquisition Information:: Unknown from Unknown, 1982

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	110 mm (Length)

Tagged with:	calculating devices, mechanical calculators, concentration camps, world war ii 1939-1945
Themes this item is part of:	Engineering Collection, Information & Communication Collection
Primary Classification:	COMPUTING & CALCULATING
Secondary Classification:	Calculating
Tertiary Classification:	mechanical
Model Name/Number:	Model II
Manufacturer:	Contina Ltd, Liechtenstein, circa 1965
References:	The CURTA Calculator Page (accessed 4 August 2011) http://www.vcalc.net/cu.htm#school Jan Meyer's Curta Simulator (accessed 4 August 2011) http://www.vcalc.net/curta_simulator_en.htm