The History of the Curta Calculator

In summary, the article discusses the fascinating history of the hand-cranked Curta mechanical calculator. While the calculator was once unavailable for purchase, it can now be found on eBay at a high cost. There is also a Walmart poster available for those interested in owning a Curta, and a video demonstrating how it works.
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  • #2
Read through the whole article. Quite magnificent, I must say.
 
  • #3
I always wanted to get one when I was younger but they just weren't available. Now you can find them on ebay but at a cost that is way over my budget of collection.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1544132836...2749490302&abcId=9300678&merchantid=101738850

and then there's the Walmart ad for $18.99 you can own a Curta... POSTER!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Calculator-Curta-Mechanical-Accurate-Type-Ii-20-Inch-By-30-Laminated-Poster-With-Bright-Colors-And-Vivid-Imagery-Fits-Perfectly-In-Many-Attractive-Fr/652094648?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=13858&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9028292&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=118780606&wl11=online&wl12=652094648&veh=sem&gclsrc=ds

and this video on how it works:

 
  • Like
Likes Wrichik Basu
  • #4
jedishrfu said:
find them on ebay but at a cost that is way over my budget of collection.
At that price US $2,499.00 I would sell the one that is sitting on my desk.
 

FAQ: The History of the Curta Calculator

What is the Curta calculator?

The Curta calculator is a mechanical calculator invented by Curt Herzstark in the 1940s. It was a compact, hand-held device that could perform basic arithmetic calculations.

When was the Curta calculator invented?

The Curta calculator was invented in 1948 by Curt Herzstark, an Austrian engineer and inventor.

How does the Curta calculator work?

The Curta calculator works by using a series of gears and levers to perform calculations. Users would input numbers by turning a crank and the result would be displayed in a window on the device.

What was the significance of the Curta calculator?

The Curta calculator was significant because it was one of the first compact, hand-held calculators. It was also highly accurate and reliable, making it popular among engineers and scientists at the time.

What is the history of the Curta calculator?

The Curta calculator was invented by Curt Herzstark in the 1940s, but production did not begin until after World War II due to the inventor's imprisonment in a concentration camp. It was produced until the 1970s, when electronic calculators became more popular and affordable.

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