2012.lej.54.1: A black, cylindrical case contains a small, black, cylindrical instrument, with a handle at its top. It resembles a pepper grinder. On its sides, there are eight sliders, each with a digit above it; as the sliders are moved down, the number above will increase from zero to nine. There is also a ninth dial that has no digit. It has a double ended arrow next to it and can be adjusted to be in the up or down position. On the top of the cylinder is a series of digits, eleven of them overlaid on a black background, six on a grey background. A dial above the numbers can be spun. It can also be lifted out and spun. There is also a row of numbers printed below the top panel, and an arrow on the body of the cylinder; the top panel lifts up and can be turned so that the arrow points to a different number. Finally, there is a ring on a pivot that can swing and lock into place, and can be released with a button.
2012.lej.54.2: Acquired with the calculator is a small manual with a yellow cover entitled” Computing Examples for the CURTA Calculating Machine.”
Accession Number: 2012.lej.54.1-2
Alternative Name:
Primary Materials: 54.1: Metal, 54.2: Card, Paper
On the capsule and cylinder body: “Curta”
“AUTOMATIC BUSINESS// MACHINES LIMITED// 15 Cromwell Road London S W 7// Telephone Ksington 8877”
On the base:
“Made in Liechtenstein// by Contina AG Mauren// Type I No. 52175”
Scratched into the base:
“2RX21”
Inside the cover of the manual, in pencil: “Given to me by Helen M., at the request of Mat Mathews, who died in Ealing in Aug. 1987. THL.”
Dimensions (cm): Height = 12.0cm; Diameter = 5.8cm
This is a mechanical calculator. It can be used for standard functions like addition and subtraction, and can also be used for more complicated functions like square roots.
This artifact is in very good condition with only light scratches on the case.
Associated Instruments:
Contina AG Mauren, Liechtenstein.
Date of Manufacture: October 1962
This artifact was acquired from Professor Trevor Levere of the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IHPST), likely in January of 2011.
These items were given to Professor Levere at the request of Mat Mathews, who died in 1987.
Additional Information and References:
The Curta Calculator was invented by Austrian Curt Herzstark (1902-1988) while imprisoned in Buchenwald concentration camp. It was produced in Liechtenstein and sold worldwide from 1949 to 1973.
- Donated to UTSIC