Objects Database

Original Curver ice axe

Accession Number

197.2008.1

Object Name

Original Curver ice axe

Created

20/10/2008

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

20/10/2008

Brief Description

Original Curver ice axe. Red glass fibre shaft. One hole in middle of head. Fluted edged adze, serrated pick. Pointed spike on ferrule with four grooves. Black plastic safety cover on ferrule.

Materials

glass fibre, metal, plastic

Dimensions

Shaft & ferrule 48.5(l) x 10(cir)cms. Head 30(l) cms. Adze 6.5(w)cms.

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

Stamp on head reads "CURVER SNOWDON MOULDINGS"

Colour

red, silver

Maker

Curver

Object Production Place

Wales

Provenance

Not exactly sure, but it was the late 1960's or early 1970's when charismatic climber, Mo Anthoine set up Snowdon Mouldings with rock climbing legend, Joe Brown.They produced a variety of out door equipment including the Joe Brown Helmet, but the Curver was the jewel in the crown, one of the few British made ice-axes and consequently very popular with UK ice climbers. As with many items in our collection, we are not exactly sure where this one came from but thought the following extract from the October 1977 Mountain Magazine helps capture the ethos of the time-
The Curver Ice Axe
Rapidly gaining in popularity with beginner and 'hard man' alike. We're so confident in our shafts that a free replacement axe will be given to anyone who manages to break one in normal use (including falling!). The Curver has been used on just about every expedition from the UK in the last five years and after his incredible ascent of the West face of Changabang with Pete Boardman last year, Joe Tasker said "The new Curver is fantastic, the best either of us has ever used and really reassuring to have in the hand." New increased pick droop for added security on steep ice. • New large teeth give added 'bite'. • Glassfibre shaft of great strength. • Shaped hand-grip and non-slip finish. • Beautiful balance and 'feel'. Head hole for wrist loop (essential for steep ice). New 'shorty' size, ideal for British gully climbs. Lengths: 16", 19", 21" and 24" (less pick droop).

Acquisition Date

20/10/2008

Condition Check Date

28/04/2009

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

28/04/2009

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