Objects Database

Chouinard Bong

Accession Number

1026.2012.1

Object Name

Chouinard Bong

Created

31/10/2012

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

31/10/2012

Brief Description

Bong rock piton. One hole on each side.

Materials

metal

Dimensions

15(l) x 9(w) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

Signed in silver by " TOM FROST, ROYAL ROBBINS, LAYTON KOR, FRED BECKEY"
A diamond with "C" inside

Colour

silver

Maker

Chouinard

Object Production Place

USA

Provenance

Though actually a rock piton this rather odd device is called a bong from the resonant noise it makes when being driven into a wide crack. Developed in the 1960's for aid climbing and protection in the cracks of Yosemite in America they were superceded by the advent of large camming devices.
The one we have here is signed by Tom Frost, Royal Robbins, Layton Kor and Fred Beckey, all pioneer American climbers back in the 1960's and therefore users of pitons like this.
American bookdealers, Chesslers, acquired lots of pitons like this in the 1990's and got famous climbers to autograph them so they could be sold on as souvenirs. Our friend, John McCall, bought this one and donated it to the collection- cheers John!

Acquisition Method

Donated by John McCall

Acquisition Date

31/10/2012

Condition Check Date

31/10/2012

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

31/10/2012

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