Extremely Rare Curta I Calculator. Made in 1970, Final Year of Production

Extremely Rare Curta I Calculator Made in 1970, Final Year of Production

This extraordinary Curta Type I, serial number 78638, is not only a mechanical marvel, but also a historic piece that marks the end of an era. Manufactured in 1970 in Liechtenstein by Contina AG Mauren, it belongs to the final batch of Curta Type I calculators ever produced. Unlike the Type II, which was still assembled in 1971 using leftover parts, production of the Type I ceased in 1970. That makes this example particularly significant for any serious collector.

The cylindrical, compact, and robust design by engineer Curt Herzstark was revolutionary in the world of portable mechanical computation. Every moving part, from the sliders to the crank mechanism, is in perfect working order. The black matte finish is in excellent condition, and the white lettering is still crisp and clean. The original plastic case is also included and in very good condition, making this piece ready to shine in any collection or be used as it was in its golden years.

What truly elevates the value of this piece is the serial number: 78638. Thanks to historical records, we know this Curta was manufactured in the final year of Curta I production. This detail makes it highly desirable for those seeking a representative piece from the conclusion of the mechanical calculator's golden age.

The device has been tested and works flawlessly: sliders move smoothly, the crank turns effortlessly, and the reset mechanism snaps back accurately , a testament to the lasting quality of Curta’s Swiss engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to own a historical piece that would stand out in any collection of mechanical calculators, scientific instruments, or 20th-century industrial design.

Perfect as a standout display item in a tech collection or a stylish object in a design-savvy office or study. Don’t miss the chance to own one of the last of its kind.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a legendary piece in full working condition.

History of the Curta

The Curta is one of the most iconic and admired mechanical calculators of the 20th century. It was invented by Austrian engineer Curt Herzstark while imprisoned in the Buchenwald concentration camp during World War II. After the war, he brought his design to life in Liechtenstein with Contina AG Mauren. Officially launched in 1948, the Curta was revolutionary: capable of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, all in the size of a small can.

The Curta operated via a system of precise gears and sliders, activated by a crank on top. Its mechanism was so refined that it earned the nickname “the Swiss watch of calculators.” For over two decades, it was the preferred tool of engineers, rally drivers, pilots, and mathematicians worldwide, even used by NASA before portable electronic calculators became available.

The Type I model, like this one, featured 8 input digits and 11 result digits — ideal for complex calculations of the time. A later Type II version offered greater capacity, but the Type I remains the most iconic. Production of the Type I ceased in 1970, making the final units highly collectible and historically significant.

Today, Curtas are prized by collectors of scientific instruments, vintage tech enthusiasts, and lovers of precision engineering. Its legacy endures as a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and manufacturing excellence.