Dripfree Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 (edited) I've been too busy to post for a little while. I work retail and the holidays are tough. Every time I see my grandfather I love telling him of my hobby. He was a Commodore man back in the 80's. He has always been a tinker and interested in amateur electronics. This Christmas he gave me something of his that he bought brand new in 1966 for $130. It took my breath away when I opened it. It is a computer by definition but not what comes to mind when you think of a computer. It is the Curta calculating machine model II. He bought it in 1966 when him and my grandmother did rally racing. My grandfather is meticulous by nature so it is of course CIB. It has the calculator, travel case, manual, a poster that is a quick reference for the different functions, and the original box. This is easily my most treasured possession. It is a marvel of mechanics and seems almost magical to me when I try to wrap my head around how it works. The story of the creation of this device seemed almost mythical when I found out it was largely engineered while it's creator Curt Herzstark was in a concentration camp. This little invention of his literally saved his life. I've posted a short video I found that gives a quick look at the device and it's history to anyone who doesn't know about it. Also some pictures of mine. To me this is one of the most beautiful objects I have ever seen. It is so much more special that it was his and not something I stumbled across while hunting in the wild.Thanks Gramps! Edited January 6, 2015 by Dripfree 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega-TI Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 AWESOME POST! Thanks for sharing this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkO Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 A fantastic device!!!! And on eBay, they go for quite a lot of money..... MarkO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Things either originally owned by you or passed down in the family always have greater significance than random material bought on fleabay. Ebay stuff can become meaningful, but it takes gestation time of many years usually. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhd Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 It is just amazing that the original box, manual, etc. has survived alongside the calculator itself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BydoEmpire Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 That's really cool - thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkO Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Things either originally owned by you or passed down in the family always have greater significance than random material bought on fleabay. Ebay stuff can become meaningful, but it takes gestation time of many years usually. Of my entire Slide Rule collection, the one from my father is the most valuable... MarkO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanrunomad Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 That thing is amazing! Never heard of it. Very impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mehguy Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 That's awesome! These things must be so much fun to play with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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