Objects Database

Friend -(anodised)

Accession Number

1213.2015.1

Object Name

Friend -(anodised)

Created

15/01/2015

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

15/01/2015

Brief Description

Size 2, spring loaded solid stemmed camming device.

Materials

anodised steel

Dimensions

14(l) x 4.5(w) x 5(d) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Colour

silver

Maker

Wild Country

Object Production Place

England

Provenance

Russian Mountaineer, Vitaly Abalokov, is credited with inventing the first spring loaded camming device though it was American climber, Ray Jardine, who perfected the idea and invented/ created the 'friend' in 1978. The story goes that whilst he and his climbing partner were experimenting with prototype camming devices in America's Yosemite Valley, other climbers appeared for a chat. Not wishing to give the game away when sorting their gear, Jardine asked his mate if he'd brought his 'friends' along with him - the name stuck.
Though patented initially in America, it was the UK based company, Wild Country, who began manufacturing 'Friends' back in 1977/78, initially with the solid stem version and later with the Flexible and Helium type - we're told there is a new one on the way in 2016..
Though 'Friends' has become the generic term for all camming devices there are plenty of other versions around; The Black Diamond Camalot being one of the more popular ones.

Acquisition Method

Doug Lee

Acquisition Date

15/01/2015

Condition Check Date

15/01/2015

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

15/01/2015

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