Old Crampons

[dorianlee]

Some old Grivel crampons I've had hidden away in the garage. Think these are worth any cash? The number 43 is stamped into the metal, think this is the year they were made? They look to be about that age but Im no expert.

[OldManRock]

I bought my first set of these indentical crampons from REI in 1957 - They state in that catalog that it was a new item for them, but then they said that in the 1958, 59, 60 catalogs - As for value, I paid $13.95 for mine - A short story - A friend of mine had a pair, and was waiting for the Mt Rainer ranger too check him off to go climb, based on his equiptment - The ranger said his wimpy looking crampons were not strong enough for a mountain like Rainer - So my friend strapped on the Grivel crampons, climbed a high snowback in the parking lot - Then jumped down on the asphalt - They had to use an iceaxe to pry them loose, as the points had gone in so far - When examined after the removal, they were in perfect condition - The ranger passed them - Sometime I will tell about the balsa wood iceaxe shaft a ranger examined, and the condition of his knuckles after.

 

[denalidave]

They are worth exactly what anyone is willing to pay for them. Maybe more.

[Frikadeller]

I saw a guy at the col on mount hood in some like that. He also had an orange 1970's MSR Ice axe, and a fiberglass HB helmet.

 

I guess they still work for that guy.

[mocco]

I have a similar pair, yellow nylon straps instead of leather. Bought them off a woman a few years ago at a gear swap who said she'd used them back in the 50's. The number refers to the boot size, so those will fit roughly a size 10 boot. Mine sit on a shelf, along with all the other antique stuff I've collected. Should bring them out sometime for a climb...