Estate Sales, Dial Indicators, Calculators Oh My!

[ch2co]

There have been several recent posts regarding dial indicators, which got me to thinking, "gee, there
were some dial indicators in that box of stuff that I picked up at that estate sale a couple of months ago, maybe I should take a look at what's there." And so I dug around to find that old crushed cardboard box
that I remember paying a hefty $25 for on a whim, because there were some old thing in it. And now I'm
glad that I finally got curious as to what I really bought. There were a few old worn out wrenches and
a box of little angle brackets, a couple of slightly rusted rulers and, and, and another box with the dial indicators and a funny looking screw-together can which read CURTA. And so I threw away a whole 25 bucks on this stuff...



I don't know if any 0f you are familiar with the Curta calculator, but it is an amazing piece
of mechanical engineering that was used a l0t by surveyors before the advent of electronic
calculators. I'm going to have to find a manual to figure out how to run it, but this puppy
is in A-1 perfect shape, looks like it was never used. The indicators were also sort of a surprise
especially the Starrett 25-611 which measures in tenths, i.e. one ten thousandths of an inch.
And although quite old, still has a very smooth movement. The others are Ames? and a Hamilton?
which I'm not immediately familiar with. There's also a handful of various tips and extensions.
So overall I think that I got a pretty good deal. Does anybody agree?
I'm smilin'

Chuck the grumpy old guy

 

[Tony Wells]

You should be smiling. Both Ames and Hamilton are excellent quality. I believe the Hamilton is the same company as built time pieces.

Not familiar with the Curta, but looks interesting. Keep us posted on using it if you are able to find a manual.

 

[kwilliam]

Don't try to use the Curta without finding out how to use it first.
You can easily wreck them if you just fiddle.
They are unlike other mechanical calculators.
The clearing ring easily breaks off.
I have two - they are amazing. If its in good condition easily worth more than all the dial indicators.
Look at www.vcalc.net/cu.htm

Thanks Malcolm

 

[chips&more]

You lucky dog! Forget about those time a dozen dial indicators! That Curta is the real prize$$$$. Somewhere in my piles of crap I have a manual for it. Please be patient and one of these days I will surprise you. And if you ever want to sell it, PM me…Dave.

 

[george wilson]

A Curta turned up on Pawn Stars. It was valuable,but I forget how valuable they said it was. Perhaps you could contact Pawn Stars and ask about it.

 

[ch2co]

First off, does anybody know what the "KW" refers to on the Starrett dial indicator. My guess is that it was originally manufactured by a
company that Starrett bought out?? The Starrett catalog still lists this model number but the new ones have a J suffix which I would presume
is the 10 iteration of the device? and they don't have the KW on the face.

Wow this CURTA thing is incredible. I've been looking them up online and they are in big demand. There is a whole cultish following
for these things. This one is in almost in what looks like perfect shape as is its 'metal-screw-together-can' container. This one is from
1952 according to its serial number. They are selling for between $800 and $2,000 on eBay! So this WAS a good investment, although I will
probably get much more use out of the dial indicators. For those who are interested, here is a web page for Curta http://www.vcalc.net/cu.htm
There is even a registry of serial numbers and owners. Fascinating device.

Chuck the grumpy old guy

 

[george wilson]

Chuck,you should NOT BE the grumpy old guy after finding out you struck gold!!!

Probably having the can it goes in makes yours more valuable.

 

[ch2co]

George Wilson wrote "Chuck,you should NOT BE the grumpy old guy after finding out you struck gold!!!

George
Gold or not, you have to look at the world from this side of my eyeballs, and I can assure you that I am grumpy!
I actually have name badges and business cards that clearly state that I am Grumpy.
But seriously, this all came about from my grandson and is a term of endearment.

Chuck the grumpy old guy

 

[kd4gij]

Verry nice score. But

 

[kvt]

I agree with kd4gij, Nice haul.