Objects Database

Galibier Makalu boots

Accession Number

968.2012.1

Object Name

Galibier Makalu boots

Created

14/02/2012

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

14/02/2012

Brief Description

A double boot with an inner in felt and a spare pair in leather with snow flap outer tongue. Rubber sole and white laces. Padded collar.

Materials

leather, fleece, nylon, rubber, metal

Dimensions

31(l) x 11(w) cms

Number Of Objects

1 pair

Inscription Description

On tongue "RICHARD PONTVERT MADE IN FRANCE" "42" On side of boot "GALIBIER HIVERNALE" On sole "GALIBIER JANNU" MADE IN FRANCE"

Colour

brown

Maker

Richard Pontvert

Object Production Place

France

Provenance

If Rolls Royce made boots, then these would probably be the ones, and despite being nearly 40 years old (2012), they are in mint condition having never been used.
Remy Richard-Pontvert was a French boot manufacturer who made his name by producing the 'Paraboot' which were very early (1920's) rubber soled boots/shoes. His company went onto produce many of the world's great mountaineering boots in liason with various designers, in this case Galibier.
High quality boots from this era nearly always used the Norwegian Welt Stitch to attach soles to the upper (diagram opposite). Boots made this way were hard to break in but could be re-soled many times.We note from an early 1970's Ellis Brigham equipment catalogue that these boots would have cost £45.56. The catalogue also gives the following information.
3604 GALIBIER MAKALU
Accepted as THE big cold expedition boot; used on all expeditions leaving for the Himalayas. A double boot with an inner in felt with a spare pair in leather - snow flap outer tongue - surprisingly little bulk for such a boot.
Construction: A
Materials. Outers of strong, black hide, fully
leather lined and fitting exactly over the inner boots which provide the padded collar.
Weight 6 Ibs 4 ozs for size 3
Sizes: 7-11 in half sizes

Acquisition Method

Donated by Andy MacDonald

Acquisition Date

14/02/2012

Condition Check Date

14/02/2012

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

14/02/2012

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