CCCP is the Russian version of what we call the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics i.e. the USSR, though as we write in 2011 the ‘union’ is somewhat diminished. This piton is one of the many that appeared in Western Europe when the ‘iron curtain’ came down in 1989, the Russians seemingly having a surfeit of titanium. Mick Tighe borrowed this one from his friend Ian Aiston – and forgot to give it back!