Two faboulous, early, Simond pitons here in the collection, probably the earliest we have. They are a bit tricky to date, so here is a mini time line:

1860s Chamonix blacksmiths, Simonds, started making the axes.

1880s Ring pitons appeared and because karabiners had not been invented the rope was threaded through the ring for protection and abseiling.

1922 Adolphus Simond handed over running of company to Francois.

1925 Not 100% sure, but looks like Claudius took over around this time. The Simond brothers tended to stamp their items with the initial of the one who was in charge at the time. We have a very early Simond ice axe with ‘A.Simond’ stamped on denoting Adolphus, the earliest brother, to be in charge. Francois took over in 1922, and while we can’t be 100% certain that would seem to date our pitons to the same era as they are stamped ‘F.Simond’. His brother Claudius took over not long after.

So, early Simond pitons, probably from the 1920s. Showing the patina of age, but not looking like they have ever been used. Kindly donated by our good friend Les Houker, they make a fine addition to our – ever growing – collection of pitons.