Hello.
I'm a new and very proud Curta owner (#540782) and am interested in the development of the machine. I can't find anything on the net about when the different styles of container were introduced, which type 2's have black bodies, and so on. Can anyone help, please?

OK, sorry, I'm feeling pretty stupid now. I've just read the Curta Models section on this site, and it covers most of my questions. Any additional info would be welcome, though.

Here's an incomplete genesis of the Type II. There are additional variations, but for now...

Black, metal crank, metal clearing lever, circular nameplate writing, early internals, small carriage digits
Black, metal crank, metal clearing lever, horizontal nameplate writing from now on
Black, metal crank, metal clearing lever, finalized internals
Grey, metal crank, metal clearing lever
Grey, metal crank, metal clearing lever, larger carriage digits from now on, outer clearing plate edge is shaved so top of larger digits can be seen. Cut edge of clearing plate is bare aluminum.
Grey, metal crank with fluorescent orange subtraction indicator, metal clearing lever, shaved clearing plate still reveals bare aluminum
Grey, metal crank with fluorescent orange subtraction indicator, metal clearing lever, shaved clearing plate edge anodized from now on
Grey, metal crank, metal clearing lever with red painted subtraction band
Grey, plastic crank with red reversing indicator and a chrome ring, metal clearing lever
Grey, plastic crank with red subtraction indicator, metal clearing lever
Grey, plastic crank with red subtraction indicator, plastic clearing lever