The Curta.org Bulletin Board

[murff]

What are Curta Fragments?

These types of items keep popping up:


[ Curta fragment Type 1 - source: curta.li ]


[ Curta fragment Type 2 - source: Auction Team Breker, Germany, 2026 ]

They are Curta fragments assembled from leftover parts. These Curta fragments were built at the former repair shop (Contina/Hilti)
in the 1970s and 1980s and sold to collectors. Since, at first glance, they bear similarities to the Curta demo models, they are
mistakenly described as such - and an inflated price is charged for them.

Description:
- These were assembled after production of the Curta had been discontinued (1971)
- Typically, the fragment consists of only a few parts from a complete Curta
- It is not functional; the round carriage is completely missing
- Typically, the fragment is mounted on an aluminum base
- There are Type 1 and Type 2 fragments
- Metal and plastic cranks are used
- A base plate is not always included


It's also important to note that Contina AG never manufactured a Curta Type 2 demo model. There are a number of retrofitted Curta
calculators in circulation that are falsely advertised as such - often at prices that are far too high.

It is not inherently wrong to purchase a Curta fragment or a Type 2 demo model. However, one should be aware that these items have
no historical significance or collector's value.

Estimated value/market price:
- Curta fragments (Type 1 or 2): no more than US$ 500.00
- Curta Type 2 demo models: approx. US$ 1,500.00 (the manufacturing costs are quite high)

- Genuine Curta Type 1 demo models from Contina AG: approx. US$ 5,000.00
- Demo model with the famous green box: depending on condition, US$ 8,000.00 to 12,000.00


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