The Curta.org Bulletin Board

[murff]

On the 7233 the zero positioner seems to be repaired, no similar prototype is known.
I don't know the weight of the baseplate and don't have a suitable scale to check it....

And all serial numbers are engraved.

In any case a nice set with some interesting details!
_________________
:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[RAPA]

"In any case a nice set with some interesting details!"

Those who have been coming out or are there any more?



Maybe we are not talking about the same mechanism?

I would say that the inner mechanism of the base of the 7233 (right side) is the same as the 7292 in your first answer.

The 8862 has a nut instead of a screw and the plate at the bottom has three holes instead of two, the positioning of the stop is below instead of above as in the other two machines.
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RP

[murff]

It is difficult to describe all these things because English is not my native language....

Anyway - your Curtas have two versions of the zeroing lever and it is possible to use the screw both ways.

(my above statement about the possibility of repair was wrong)






in use:




_________________
:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[RAPA]

As much as I think about it, I can't find the reason why the marked disk has been replaced (if it is the case) in two machines from the same country by an anonymous one, either an original spare part or a new turning.

I have one last question, for which I already have my own answer, but I would like to know your option.

Ignoring the economic issue, we understand that for laymen the lack of marking can penalize the value. And focusing on aesthetics and historical value.

If the machines were yours, would you consider laser etching the logo and numbering onto the disc or would you leave it as is?


P.S.: My level of English is very low, I use a translator for my texts.
_________________
RP

[murff]

From Contina's point of view, it would have been impossible to supply a Curta with a black base plate. Moreover, Contina has the plates raw in stock (turned or punched) and has anodized them black WITH the Contina logo as we know it (round or oval). And only in this anodized state the plate was engraved with the serial number.

Also Contina internal test Curtas had these plates with logo, but mostly without number.




The answer to your question about laser engraving is clear:
Even if you don't know the history (and most likely never will), you should keep the current condition. The material value is neither increased nor decreased - it is simply not relevant!

And, there is no final question





(This thread nicely illustrates what this forum is for. I learned here that there are two variants of zero setting levers (... even represented in my collection!).
Also I realize once more that we have understood only a part of the whole construction and history of the CURTA so far after all...)
_________________
:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[RAPA]

Impossible is too strong a word, which often comes to nothing.

I am glad that my doubts have served to expand occult knowledge.

We agree on maintaining the current condition.

And true, there is no last question, but this will be by PM.
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RP

[RAPA]

As an extension, I add the following information.

Mgace (https://curta.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=782) provided a new Spanish Curta that does not have its serial number printed on its base (it was later done manually).

And I have found another one for sale here in Spain (https://www.milanuncios.com/antiguedades-de-coleccion/curta-calculadora-antigua-anos-50-499178956.htm) that does not have its serial number.

These last two, unlike the two of mine which are early, do have the logo and brand engraved but not the serial number.

So we now have four Curtas located in Spain in which either they were not shipped with the serial number (perhaps at the request of the distributor) or the base plates were replaced later.

Which sounds equally strange for both options.
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RP

[malcubierre]

I have another case about my 4733 curta. I purchased it in Barcelona but I do not know anything else about it's origins.

Plate seems to be a turned base plate with two holes in oposite side.... perharps some prototype?

My assumption is this curta was sold as is, I cannot understand how this plate could be damaged in a normal use on a curta....

[/img]

[RAPA]

Hello everyone.

Continuing my research into the uniqueness of Spanish bases without serial numbers, I have one last piece of news.

In addition to my two machines and the other two I mentioned last April, we must add that of my colleague Malcubierre.

Both mine and his are early models, and the base has no logo, text, or serial number.

In the case of the other two, as we saw, they had the correct plate, but without the engraved serial number.

And now, the latest news, another one has just gone on sale with serial number 23452 (according to what the seller told me), with the normal plate, but without the engraved serial number. And the seller states: "The man who gave it to me told me his father was a curta worker here in Spain. He told me that if it wasn't on the plate, it was because it wasn't attached to the base for the workers."

https://es.wallapop.com/item/calculadora-curta-tipo-i-sin-numero-de-serie-1114251463

Honestly, I don't know how credible this is, but there are already six machines with serial numbers between 4733 and 23452.

I highly doubt these are replacements due to repairs or at the buyer's request, so perhaps this is the simplest reason.
_________________
RP

[murff]

see also:

https://curta.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2713

and

https://www.ebay.ch/itm/205352673184



Only the Spanish Curta Service Center knows the secret - but they will never tell us


_________________
:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[RAPA]

I told him to open the machine to see the number and try eBay, but now I see he's put it here too.
_________________
RP