Objects Database

Swiss Army Avalanche Probes

Accession Number

1254.2015.1

Object Name

Swiss Army Avalanche Probes

Created

03/06/2015

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

03/06/2015

Brief Description

Four metal avalanche probes with leather holster and retaining strap.

Materials

Steel, aluminium alloy,leather

Dimensions

115(l) cms

Number Of Objects

1 set

Inscription Description

Swiss Army logo on leather retaining strap. Indiscernible maker's name alongside logo.

Colour

silver

Object Production Place

Switzerland

Provenance

We have a couple of sets of avalanche probes in the collection already, but this set is the Rolls Royce version as we would expect since they are Swiss Army issue and the Swiss have a reputation for making things to a very high standard, particularly when it comes to military equipment.
Avalanche probing experts will tell you that probes commonly snap at the joint since avalanched snow is not quite as light and fluffy as one might think, so the makers of this set have used stainless steel for the joints while the rest of the probe is made of aluminium alloy for lightness. A fine leather holster holds everything together, giving them the 'air' of a presentation set , rather than working instruments.
Founder member of the SMHC, Mick Tighe, got a trade going in 2013 with fellow collector, Art McCarthy, over in California. Art sent these over in one of his bundles which means that these probes have probably bagged more air than snow miles!

Acquisition Method

Donated by Art McCarthy

Acquisition Date

03/06/2015

Condition Check Date

03/06/2015

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

03/06/2015

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