MacInnes Massey Ice Hammer

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Jim MacCartney
Hamish McInnes at work in his Glencoe workshop in the 1960’s
Advert in ‘Climber’ by Hamish MacInnes
Description
Prototype ‘MacInnes Massey’ ice hammer. Metal shaft with rubber grip. Rectangular hammer head and serrated pick. One large and one small hole in head. Pointed ferrule.
Inscription description
On one side of head “MCA”. On othe side “MACINNES MASSEY MADE IN GT. BRITAIN PATENT APPLIED FOR”
Acquisition Method:
Donated by Allen Fyffe
Number of Objects:
1
Related Items:
Provenance:
The initials ‘MCA’ engraved on this hammer are short for ‘MacCartney’ as in James MacCartney, known to all and sundry as Jim. According to his good friend, Dr Tom Patey, Jim was “an athletic ruddy-faced lad, as large as life and radiating enthusiasm like an open furnace.” Amongst many other mountain adventures, Jim worked with Hamish MacInnes at the Glencoe School of Winter Mountaineering, which is most likely where he acquired this MacInnes Massey hammer. Jim died in an avalanche on Ben Nevis in 1970 along with his dear friend, Mary Ann Hudson. Friend and fellow instructor, Allen Fyffe, looked after Jim’s hammer for a while after his death and eventually passed it on to us for which we are very grateful.
Object Production
Production Place:
Gt. Britain
Materials:
metal, rubber
Maker:
MacInnes Massey
Colour:
silver, black, brown
Dimensions:
Shaft & ferrule 47(l) x 9(cir)cm. Head 22(l) cm. Hammer head 3(w)cm.
Object Condition:
Condition Date Check:
28/04/2009
Administration
Accession Number:
576.2008.1
Creator:
Hermione Cooper
Accession Date:
01/12/2008
ID:
1
Category:

Snow & Ice Climbing
Location
Location:
Bohuntin
Current Location
Rules:
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007