Objects Database

SMC Karabiner Brake

Accession Number

1126.2014.1

Object Name

SMC Karabiner Brake

Created

13/05/2014

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

13/05/2014

Brief Description

SMC karabiner brake

Materials

aluminium alloy

Dimensions

10.5(l) x 6.4(w) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

"SMC"

Colour

silver, orange

Maker

SMC( Seattle Manufacturing Corporation)

Object Production Place

USA

Provenance

Still going strong in 2014, the Seattle Manufacturing Corporation was founded by a guy called Jim Clark back in 1967, initially producing high quality karabiners before branching out into general climbing/mountaineering hardware and rescue equipment.
Having rebranded to SMC, we were surprised to see -in 2014- that they still produce a range of 'brake bars' since modern belay devices have pretty much rendered such things to the history books, and whilst a karabiner brake can be used as a belay device, there seems little point in using one when a belay plate is simpler and probably safer - SMC may well disagree!
Anyway, we don't think the bar itself is that old - possibly 1990's - and the karabiner is maybe a bit earlier. We got them as a 'trade deal' with fellow collector, Art McCarthy, over in California.
It might be worth noting that whilst SMC must have a market for these things in the US, or they wouldn't be making them, karabiner brakes are very rarely used in the UK - too scary!

Acquisition Method

Donated by Art McCarthy

Acquisition Date

13/05/2014

Condition Check Date

13/05/2014

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

13/05/2014

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