The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1596.2021.1
Irbis Twistlock Karabiners
16/03/2021
Hermione Cooper
16/03/2021
Three Irbis twistlock karabiners in original packing.
Metal
10.5(L) x 5(W) cms
3
Cyrillic writing on label and “OCT 62-114-81. 1291 8TK 3”
“12 91 IRBIS 2200” on karabiner
Purple
Irbis
Russia
Irbis karabiners are Russian, probably made in Kazakhstan before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, though we know there was an outflow of Russian gear after, so a little in the dark here and would be grateful for any more information. The 12-91 stamp could indicate the month and year of manufacture.
These fabulous examples were kindly donated by Jasper Pickin and remain in the original packing. We’ve lost Jasper’s email unfortunately but seem to remember that Jasper’s dad bought them in Kazakhstan in the 1990’s.
They look nice, though rather crudely made; the twistlock can be fastened in the open position which is a wee bonus. No sign of Irbis karabiners on the market as we write this in 2021 so assume they are history.
Donated by Jasper Pickin
16/03/2021
16/03/2021
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
16/03/2021
Irbis Ice screw
Irbis Ice screw
Irbis Ice screws
Irbis Karabiners