Objects Database

Arthur Beale Ice Axe

Accession Number

757.2009.1

Object Name

Arthur Beale Ice Axe

Created

22/01/2009

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

22/01/2009

Brief Description

Arthur Beale Ice axe with wooden shaft. Adze, slightly serrated pick,ferrule and spike with four flat sides.

Materials

wood, metal

Dimensions

Shaft & ferrule 91(l) x 10(cir)cms. Head 30.5(l) cms. Adze 6 (w)cms.

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

Initials "M S" burned onto shaft. On pick, circle with "MADE IN SWITZERLAND" inside

Colour

brown

Object Production Place

Switzerland

Provenance

Bit of a rarity this ice axe as the only other one we know about is in the National Maritime Museum, having belonged to the explorer, Ernest Shackleton.
John Buckingham was the founder of Beales when he started making rope in London in the 15th Century. The company ended up in Shaftesbury Avenue, London, in the mid 1800’s, with Arthur Beale taking the helm (circa 1880) of what was basically a yacht chandlers, though they still supplied rope, specifically to the Alpine Club, made to their specification from Manila hemp.
The fabulous axe we have here in the collection dates from around 1890/1910 and was made in Switzerland. Beale would have stamped their own name on as retailer.
The Scottish Ski Club donated a large amount of skis to our collection in the 1990’s and this ice axe came with them. Unfortunately, the only clue we have concerning the previous owner are the initials burnt into the shaft, so thanks M.S. whoever you are.

Acquisition Method

passed on by Bill Aitken from Scottish Ski Club

Acquisition Date

01/12/2008

Condition Check Date

28/04/2009

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

28/04/2009

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