FS: Curta Type I Mechanical Calculator

[t6dpilot]

Going through and cleaning out some things, I ran across this again. I found the manuals that were missing the last time I put this up for sale here in 2008. Starting a new FS thread with much better pictures. Asking $1,500 is a little higher now for this very unique item.

I have a really nice item that I am going to offer up to the rally collectors here before I put it up for auction. This is a Curta Type I calculator that was used in rally and road race timing before the advent of electronic calculators. Even after the electronic versions were introduced, they were not very reliable, so rally and race teams continued using the Curta for their calculations. This would be a really nice addition to the collection of someone who is favors those hard to find race timing and scoring items.

This calculator was purchased new by my father in 1964 or 1965 in Germany and has been in my possession for a loooong time. I think it is a really nice piece and have admired it for years - ever since I was a little boy. Well, I figured that it is time for it to go to someone who will enjoy it as a part of their collection. With all the interest in vintage rallying and the timing/scoring stuff, I thought that this might be a group that would appreciate such an item.

It is a late (I believe) Type I Ser. 43,329. The calculator itself is in absolutely perfect (and I do mean perfect) condition. It has the original case also that is in excellent condition. I have the two manuals that are also in excellent condition, but I can only find the calculation examples manual at this time. You should assume that it only comes with one manual, but when I find the other one, I will send it to the new owner. Now, I have seen these valued between $600 for a poor condition machine and over $4,000 for a very rare early Type I in excellent condition. PM me if you have any questions.

[t6dpilot]

Here are the manuals that I have with the Curta.

[ibmiked]

Absolutely gorgeous Scott and you're definitely leaving money on the table. These have an amazing origin story and my later Curta happens to be the coolest piece of rally kit I have. For anyone looking to garnish the perfect period correct rally/race car you would do well to grab this while you can at this price. Heirlooms in this condition don't come along often, sad to see you selling.

IMG_1977.jpg

IMG_5846.jpg

[moito]

i knew this thing from a flea market incident but never knew those where also used in rallying....you learn something new every day
cool stuff

[t6dpilot]

Yeah Mike, you may very well be right on both counts. We'll see if any takers here. If not, then I'll just keep it as I have for all these years. Cool that you have a Type II and appreciate these as well.

[jaudette3]

Now that is very, very cool! If only I still had Stubby.

Cheers,
John

P.S. Don’t sell it.

[NZVW]

Scott,,PM sent Pm me back please
Thanks

[s2guy]

PM sent as well

[Bill Simmeth]

my later Curta happens to be the coolest piece of rally kit I have.

My good fellow, still trying to find your way to Upper Old Hastings I see. Cheerio.

[ibmiked]

My good fellow, still trying to find your way to Upper Old Hastings I see. Cheerio.

It’s so much nicer there than Lower Old Hastings old chap.