American bookdealers, Chessler Books, acquired some of these old pitons and got a couple of America’s more famous pioneer climbers to sign them, namely, Jim Bridwell and Royal Robbins. They then sold them as souvenirs. John McCall, a friend of Mick Tighe’s , acquired this one and donated it to our collection.

Excerpt from ‘The Great Pacific Ironworks Catalogue 1978’

“Chouinard Lost Arrow Pitons

These “Big wall” pitons are patterned after the original design of John Salathe and their consistent quality and reliability are made possible through the use of forging dies and expert hand blacksmithing. They represent the lightest design possible for a given blade size, yet are tough enough to withstand repeated usage. Now forged in Italy from chrome-molybdenum steel. Price: $2.50″