Objects Database

Bhend Ice Axe ( Swiss circa 1890)

Accession Number

1580.2021.1

Object Name

Bhend Ice Axe ( Swiss circa 1890)

Created

24/01/2021

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

24/01/2021

Brief Description

Bhend ice axe with long shaft, serrated pick and short pointed ferrule.

Materials

Wood, metal

Dimensions

Head 26(L) cms. Shaft 105(L) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

“BHEND GRINDELWALD” in an elipse.

Colour

Silver, brown

Maker

Bhend

Object Production Place

Switzerland

Provenance

We have another Bhend axe in the collection but this one is ’daddy’ of the two, dating, we think, from around 1890.
Karl Bhend started making ice axes in Grindelwald, Switzerland in the 1860’s; bespoke items which bacame the must have ice axe for Swiss Mountain Guides making them much sought after by their clients as well.
Karl’s great grandson, Ruedi, still makes a few ice axes each year (2021) on a part time basis, probably the last hand made wooden ice axes in the world.
There is a waiting list and if you could get on it to actually purchase one of these gems, it would cost you 500 SF (£320)
Fortunately, our good friend, Dr Chris Robinson, donated this one having bought it in Glasgow for a few pounds some moons ago.
Interestingly, the pick and adze on this one are very similar to many axes that were being produced in the Alps in the late 1800’s. At some point, not sure when, Bhend changed the design a little.....see picture opposite.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Chris Robinson

Acquisition Date

24/01/2021

Condition Check Date

24/01/2021

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

24/01/2021

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