We have several Stubai ice axes in the collection, though this one seems to be one of the oldest. The shape of the head indicates an early production method, we think 1930s/40s, and the patina of the wooden shaft also indicates several decades of use. Looks like this one has been shortened at some point – early axes were much longer, and also looks like the pick has been ‘drooped’ a little to cater for the ever steeper ice of the 1960s/70s. The much-hammered head indicates a much used, much loved timepiece, no doubt with a tale to tell, sadly the previous owner, Jack Simpson, is no longer around to tell the tale – many thanks in absentia.