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 World War II 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.
Physical Description
Cylindrical device with handle for winding inside a black metal canister with dome lid.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Information & Communication, Engineering, Science & Measurement
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Acquisition Information
Unknown Acquisition Method from Unknown Source, 08 Jun 1982
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Manufacturer
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Inscriptions
On device: CURTA On base of device: Type II / No 524318 / Made in Liechtenstein / (Customs Union with Switzerland) / by Contina Ltd Mauren / System Curt Herzstark On lid of canister: CURTA / OPEN [with arrow] Sticker on side of canister: 000061
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
Contina (Mechanical Calculators) , CURTA (Mechanical Calculators)
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
108 mm (Height), 64 mm (Outside Diameter)
Measurement of device only. Measurement of canister: Diameter: 68mm; Height: 128mm
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Dimensions
108 mm (Height), 65 mm (Outside Diameter)
Measurement From Conservation. Measuring Method: Maximum dimensions of object
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References
The CURTA Calculator Page (accessed 4 August 2011) [Link 1] Jan Meyer's Curta Simulator (accessed 4 August 2011) [Link 2]
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Keywords
Calculating Devices, Concentration Camps, Mechanical Calculators, World War II, 1939-1945, Innovation & Design