Curta Model II Calculator, Liechtenstein, July 1970, serial number 529305, in black and grey, in original black plastic case, with original instructions and 'Computing Examples for the Curta Calculating Machine', height of case 13cm - tested and working The Curta is a hand-held mechanical calculator designed by Curt Herzstark in the mid-20th century. The device is a marvel of engineering and was widely used in the years following its release in 1948. Herzstark, an Austrian engineer, developed the Curta while imprisoned in a concentration camp during World War II. The device is a compact, cylindrical calculator that can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The Curta was widely used by engineers, scientists, and mathematicians in the years following its release. Its compact design made it ideal for use in the field, and its reliability and accuracy made it a valuable tool for complex calculations. Despite its popularity, the Curta was eventually superseded by electronic calculators in the 1970s. However, it remains an important artifact of mid-20th century engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of its creator. Today, the Curta is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate its elegant design and historical significance. It stands as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity, even in the darkest of circumstances.