The Curta.org Bulletin Board

[murff]

back in May 2018, this topic: New "Demo" scam

[Pete]

Quality construction and blank baseplate notwithstanding, this is not on the same level as a genuine demo box. And since the genuine demo boxes were for earlier machines, I'd guess that this wasn't a Contina product but something made aftermarket. Are there any parts in that case that aren't the pieces of the one machine? Because it just looks like a nicely displayed disassembled machine.

Perhaps an office supply company made these for their salesmen? Wouldn't be so difficult.
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Cheers, Pete

[murff]

The green box has an adapted form for the items but otherwise it's on a similar level (construction or production method). It's branded CONTINA and inside CURTA - and of course, it contains a demonstration model.

For the sample case parts from two Curtas were used - so it would be a bit costly to disassembly two of them...




But yes, the story behind this mystery briefcase is still in the dark
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:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[Pete]

The thing that stands out to me is the unfinished rough wood. I've never seen an instrument display case that didn't have ALL the elements "finished" to some degree, usually you'd expect wood in such a display to be sanded smooth, probably stained, and wax polished.

The green boxes look to be made on the same basis as musical instrument cases, or scientific instrument cases. You wouldn't expect to see unfinished wood in those. It makes me think the briefcase wasn't made by the same people who made the green boxes.

Anyway thanks for posting!
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Cheers, Pete

[davhamm]

I gotta agree, the raw pine, does not look like quality construction.

Not sure what about that makes you think its to high a quality for an individual to do. Felt cover foamed is easy to cut, heck lots of people state side have personal cnc and laser cutters that would work fine.

Anyhow, not sure where you found a 2nd one but well done.

I find your comment about the first one being sold at a well known auction house interesting, as I have seen lots of questionable listings from that auction house, and when questioned they often say, well thats what we were told and buyer is expected to do there own research.

[murff]

Some points:

- Turning wood for mounting the different parts is not typically DIY (... but possible)



- CNC and laser cut were not available for private use before 1994 - the only dated picture of the briefcase is from 1994

- Auction Team Breker is a well-known auction house which is in the business for more than 30 years (so what is so interesting? ... I can't understand your thought about "questionable listings")
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:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[davhamm]

[murff]

Here I'm trying to collect the characteristics and the known facts of both boxes...


Curta Type 1 - Demonstrations Modell - Demo box | Musterkoffer - Sample case


PS: also inside the green box only pine was used - no mahagony
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:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[murff]

update

Another Curta sample case popped up... So there are a total of THREE cases known.


[ source: Auction Team Breker, Cologne Germany]

This gives some more indices that these suitcases are Contina origin and not private produced.

- a total of about 100 parts / assemblies are used
--- a private collector would have to disassemble six Curtas for this.

- The Original papers included seven manuals / brochures (in English, French, Spanish and Italian) and one flyer
--- a private collector would have to own a least one set of originals to make some reprints... (the Spanish and Italian manuals are very rare..., also the flyer).

- With this third case it's likely that there was a small series produced - maybe too late to use near the end of Contina AG (around 1970).



...also popped up: Curta Type I Demonstration Kit, 1954 No. 26573, Contina A.G.


[ source: Auction Team Breker, Cologne Germany]

... together with four Curtas - It can be assumed that everything comes from the same collection.
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:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[davhamm]

I so regret proving the link to the previous Auction on that site. Oh well. Another source of curta's I can stop watching.

I was waiting for this auction to end to post this. Seems very odd, that None of these ever had come to market or even know by anyone then in a few months 3 appear.

Also that auction puts the date of the unit at 1994.

Oh and thank you, I got the o-ring the can looks so much better now.

Still a very mysterious product. Will be interesting to see how the auction of those 2 items go.

[murff]

[murff]

Sold today morning...



US$9020.00 (including Buyer's Premium and VAT)




US$5110.00 (including Buyer's Premium and VAT)
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:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[davhamm]

Just checked in on it (forgot about it) WOW... Even the 2 curta's went for a lot. But speechless on those prices.