My roommate wants to sell a Curta 1 # 20290- I have been reading everything I can to learn about them, before placing an ad for him. This Curta has the original white o-ring, but I do not know what the bumper is...
also, I have read the rating system given here and feel this one is very fine to excellent- it shows virtually no wear except the case, which has a few scratches on it- how does that figure into the rating- I did not see it really mentioned or focused on. Also, the white pad is obviously old and has seen better days- I notice a # of Curtas for sale that say theirs is new material- is this something that takes alot of value off the Curta when selling?


Thank you

Actually, I meant there were some scratches on the cannister- not the calculator case itself...still looking for a reference to explain the "bumper"-thanks.

I think what you're referring to is the rubber insert inside the lid of the canister that holds the machine firmly in place. The cushioning in the base of the canister is quite susceptible to aging and often replaced by microcell foam cut to fit; although this would possibly affect value in a mint example I own a couple where this has been done and I'd rather have the functioning shock protection of new foam than partially/fully disintegrated original material.

Good luck with the sale - the famous auction site tells us that you'll get between six and nine hundred US for it, assuming it is in working order and your assessment of its condition is on target.

Thank you- I get it. I understand about the replacement issue-I guess that's something the new owner can have done.
Yes, I think my assessment is pretty accurate, aside from the canister scratches and evident wear from opening/closing the lid(it's a left turn one and I guess people get/got confused), it's very fine-excellent, everything moves quite easily.

Also, we have 3 print items to go with: "Instructions for the use of the Curta", Contina Ltd./Mauren, Liechtenstein,45pg. no date; "Mathematical Handbook", Curta,Van Nuys, Ca.,64pg. no date and "CURTA" The Universal Pocket Size Calculating Machine System C. Herzstark, Contina LTD. Vaduz Liechtenstein,16pg. no date.

Hopefully these will add a little value to it. I have found a number of interesting articles about this incredible device. Thanks again for the input.
Lisa