The legendary math grenade
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If you have a 3d printer you can make your own 3:1 scale Curta Type 1.
Would this be the first "pocket calculator?"
I actually have one of these! marvelous piece of technology
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I like that guy's enthusiasm.
Cliff Stoll on the Curta calculator, Curt Herzstark and where he developed his calculator.
More precise then a slide rule, but much more expensive, I'm sure. My old plastic rule that I used in college, cost around $10.
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The machines have a high curiosity value; in 2016 they sold for around US$1,000, but buyers paid as much as US$1,900 for models in pristine condition with notable serial numbers.
Aw, man. Guess i’m not gonna have a cool math grenade for my desk.
Edit: Here’s a Numberphile video about it:
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