American climber, Ray Jardine, created the ‘Friend’ in 1978, the world’s first mass produced, spring loaded, rock climbing cam. A plethora of look alikes followed, which makes us wonder about international patent laws. Anyway, the Italian company, Cassin, seem to have got in on the act somewhere along the line ( poss 1990’s) with their own version which looks very much like the real thing – see picture opposite. This is the only Cassin we’ve seen, maybe there are lots over in Italy or maybe not many were made – an odd addition to the collection anyway. Thanks to our good friend, Jonathon Winter, for donating it.