Attractive Curta II Calculator, in original and working case. Liechtenstein, 1950's

This curious device is a Curta II calculator, a real classic among the calculating machines of the 20th century. This machine is original from the 1950s and was manufactured in Liechtenstein for the French market. The calculator is in great condition and comes in its original black plastic case, also very well preserved. It works like new and lets the user perform the four basic arithmetic operations with total reliability. Cylindrical in shape, this design has the digit levers located in the vertical face. In order to know the result of the operation, the user must turn the crank; it will appear at the top of the machine. The system that gives life to this calculator is due to Curt Herztark, an Austrian inventor that during World War II was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp because of its Jewish ancestry. The Nazi authorities saw the designs performed by Herztark and encouraged him to keep on with them, so they could give the calculator to Adolf Hitler as a present to celebrate the Nazi victory. In 1945 the North American forces liberated the Buchenwald camp and Herztark was released. The Austrian inventor rapidly founded a factory in Sommertal: it was there where the production of Curta calculators began. This calculating machines quality got them to be considered the best portable ones in the history, until the electronic machines appeared in the 1970s. The item that we can see in these images shows a wonderful condition: the black enamel that covers the metal looks flawless and great, and the same can be said about the hammered grey paint. At the bottom of the calculator we can see some white inscriptions, being the most remarkable the serial number 548446, the manufacturers name and a label with the original Parisian distributors name and address. This amazing Curta II calculator is a historic piece that definitely should not be missed in any self-respecting collection of antique machines. Measurements: Width: 2.5 in/6.5 cm. Height: 4.5 in/11.5 cm.