CLIMBER COLLECTION A - I
BACK TO MAIN CLIMBER PAGE CLIMBERS J - Z
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Bashlin.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H050xx] B3. Stamped "BASHLIN, GROVE CITY, PA.
TESTED" on the outside of the upper shank. No test date is visible. Stamped in
the opposite direction, and next to the strap loop is "17 1/2", "L"
(with "R" on the other), with a tiny "A"
out to the far right. There is an "L" and an "R" stamped inside
of each stirrup. The climbers are spray painted gold, but I don't know if it's
factory paint or not. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaff. This, no doubt, is
a matched set.
Bashlin.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H025y] B1. Stamped "PATENT 2??6242",
"BASHLIN C???BER", "GROVE CITY, PA" on the inside top of the shank,
and "17" on the outside top of the shank. Ribbed shank, non-replaceable
gaff. The top belt loop looks like #4 SD Sol Copper wire shaped and peened to form
the loop. It's tight but I don't think it was original issue (let me know if you
know). Not found in normal use.
Wm. Bashlin.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H009i] B2. Stamped "BASHLIN, GROVE CITY, PA.
TESTED", & "2-88" on outside of main shank under adjustment.
Stamped "BD-16BC" & "L/R" inside of stirrups. This is
a set of TWIST SHANK climbers, with adjustable shanks & replaceable gaffs.
Orange factory paint. Still found in normal use.
Wm. Bashlin.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H010j]. Stamped "BASHLIN, GROVE CITY, PA.
TESTED" & "8 85" on outside of main shank under adjustment.
Stamped "BD-16B" & "L/R" inside of stirrups. This is
a set of STRAIGHT SHANK climbers, with adjustable shanks and replaceable gaffs. Red
factory paint. Still found in normal use.
Wm. Bashlin.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H011k]. Recent production aluminum adjustable
shanks and replaceable gaffs. Stamped "WM BASHLIN CO. BD-14 GROVE CITY, PA.
TESTED" & "10 85" on the outside of the shank, under the adjustment
section. The adjusters are made of gray painted iron on this set. Some sets
come with adjusters made of aluminum. This set is equipped with the rigid upper pads
that have a metal plate in them.
Wm. Bashlin.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H041oo] B2. Recent production aluminum adjustable
shanks and replaceable gaffs. Stamped "WM BASHLIN CO. BD-14 GROVE CITY, PA.
TESTED" on the outside of the shank, under the adjustment section. No test date
is visible. The adjusters are made of non-painted aluminum on this set. The
number "2" is stamped on the outside of each shank just above the gaff.
This set of climbers has had a rough life. The adjustment sleeve on one of
them has been mashed flat above the main shank. This appears to be a matched set.
Brooks.
Allen Bearden collection [Ref. No. G006Al]. Photos by Allen Bearden. Stamped
"MELLING FORGING CO. LANSING, MICH.", "BROOKS PATENT NO. 195625".
Allen points out that these Brooks climbers were NOT made by Mine Safety Appliances
as are current Brooks climbers, but by the original manufacturer, Melling Forging
Company, Lansing, Michigan. Adjustable shank, replaceable gaff, not found
in normal use any longer.
Brooks.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H027aa] B2. Another pair of
Melling-made climbers. Stamped "MELLING FORGING CO.", "LANSING, MICH.
V", "BROOKS", "PATENT NO: 1956852". I think the patent
number is actually the same on the other Melling Brooks climbers listed, but I was taking
the number off of the photos that Allen sent in. One thing that is interesting about
these climbers, is the the letter "V" at the end of "LANSING, MICH.
V". It is cast into both climbers, although not quite as prominent as the other
letters. What is the reason for the "V"? Maybe the 5th run of this
patent? You'll notice that the design is slightly different than the other Melling
climbers on this page, especially the location of the manufacture's markings, so these are
not identical to the other pair. Adjustable shank, replaceable gaff, not
found in normal use any longer. Update: Gene in Lansing, MI sent in this comment:
"As per Al at Melling Forging Co. Lansing Michigan, the "V" is used by
Melling to identify the die used to cast the part."
Brooks. CD's
collection [Ref. No. H012l] B2. Stamped "MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO. PITTSBURGH,
PA." and "MSA BROOKS CLIMBER" on the outside of the main shank.
This is an older set of Brooks climbers, but I didn't notice a year on them.
Adjustable shank, replaceable gaff, still found in normal use.
Brooks.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H038ll] B1. Another example of the Brooks climber
listed above. Stamped "MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO. PITTSBURGH, PA." and
"MSA BROOKS CLIMBER" on the outside of the main shank. Adjustable
shank, replaceable gaff, still found in normal use.
Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H042pp] B2. Stamped "CLIMBER SET, TREE &
POLE", "9225L", "FSN 4240-273-9668", "BUCKINGHAM MFG. CO.
INC.", and "U.S." on the outside of the main shank under adjustment sleeve.
These climbers have replaceable gaffs, held on by a single pin that presses into a
casting on the shank, and may have been marketed with a set each of the pole gaffs and
tree gaffs. The shank is adjustable. This set of climbers has been spray
painted black, but I'm not sure if it is factory paint or not. This appears to be a
matched set.
Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H040nn] B2. Stamped "BELL SYSTEM",
"F", "BUCKINGHAM", "1-70" on the outside of the main shank
under adjustment sleeve. Stamped "WE79225" on the inside of the main shank under
adjustment sleeve. Each climber has an "L" or "R" stamped on the
bottom outside of each stirrup. Non-replaceable gaffs. Silver factory paint.
This appears to be a matched set.
Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H020t] B1. Stamped "BUCKINGHAM MFG. CO. INC.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.", "BELL SYSTEM-B", "17 IN.", "3 55",
"WE52108" and "®" on the outside of the shank. Non-adjustable,
non-replaceable gaff. This, no doubt, is a matched set.
W.H. Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H018r] B1. Stamped "W.H. BUCKINGHAM MFG.
CO.", "BINGHAMTON, N.Y.", "BELL SYSTEM-A", "16 1/2
IN.", "WEB" on the outside of the shank. Non-adjustable,
non-replaceable gaff.
W.H. Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H019s] B1. Stamped "W.H. BUCKINGHAM MFG.
CO.", "BINGHAMTON, N.Y.", "BELL SYSTEM-A", "17
IN.", "WEC" on the outside of the shank. Non-adjustable,
non-replaceable gaff.
W.H. Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H016p] B2. Stamped "W.H. BUCKINGHAM",
"MFR.", "STEPHENS CLIMBERS", "BINGHAMTON, N.Y.",
"17L", "PAT-APPLIEDFOR", "4-29" on the outside of each
shank. Lettering further down the shank toward the gaff on each one, and the
stamp rotated 180 degrees from the rest of the information, are the words
"RIGHT" and "LEFT". Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaff.
This, no doubt, is a matched set.
W. H. Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H005e] B2. Stamped "W.H. BUCKINGHAM",
"MFR.", "STEPHENS CLIMBERS", "BINGHAMTON, N.Y.", "BELL
SYSTEM", "WE-6", "2-28 16M" on outside of both shanks. One
shank has an additional stamp "WE-J" on the outside of the shank, toward the
stirrup from the rest of the stamps. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaffs. I
believe this is a matched set.
W. H. Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H007g] B2 (supplied by "tree" in Ohio).
Stamped "BELL SYSTEM", "F", "BUCKINGHAM",
"2-70" on main shank under adjustment. Non-replaceable gaffs. Silver
factory paint.
W. H. Buckingham.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H008h] B3 (donated by Koda in Arizona). Stamped
"BUCKINGHAM MFG CO", "BINGHAMTON, N.Y.", "CAT NO 29",
"16½", "LEFT/RIGHT" on outside of shank. Non-adjustable,
non-replaceable gaffs.
A.E. Burgess. Dan Carter Collection [Ref. No. G012DC]. Photo by Dan Carter.
Dan just recently sold these climbers on eBay, the Internet Auction. Dan
described them as being "...a pair of A.E. Burgess Lea. Co. Lineman Tree/Pole
Climbing Spikes. The Spikes have an adjustable length bracket that currently measure
17", with a spike length of 1-3/4"...". A matched set with adjustable
shanks. Unknown if gaffs are replaceable.
W. CADIEUX.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H021u] B1. Stamped "W. CADIEUX" and
"MAKER" on the outside of the upper part of the shank. The two words are
rotated 180 degrees from one another. This appears to be a matched set.
Century Tool
Century Tool
Co. Paul Dover collection [Ref. No. G011PD]. Photos by Paul Dover. Paul
just recently sold these climbers on eBay, the Internet Auction. Paul described them
as being "...used in the Service by a Retired Lineman who stated (that) the
Government only buys the best...". A matched set with replaceable gaffs and
adjustable shanks.
1901-1918
DIAMOND EDGE Climber Ad from Norvel-Shapleigh Hardware Company, St. Louis, MO.
Climbers were available in three lengths for $36.00 per dozen pair. Pads and
straps would run you $27.60 per dozen sets, or $39.75 for the Sheepskin and Wool Lined pad
sets. Anyone have a set of these climbers, and do they have the "Diamond
Edge" logo on them?
J.
Donnelly Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. Hdonn01] B3. Stamped "J.
DONNELLY", "16."on inside of both shanks. The gaffs are riveted onto
the shank. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaffs.
C A French
C. A. French
climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H049ww] B3. This is a set of finely
crafted climbers with a tapered shank and flush strap loop attachments. The name
"C. A. FRENCH" is stamped four times on the outside of each shank, along the
length of the shank. I don't know for sure if it's a manufacturer's mark or put
there by the owner. Either way, they're labeled as CA French. These climbers were
designed to be worn with the shank on the outside of the leg. This is no doubt a
matched set.
Forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H034hh] B1. This pair of tall climbers
with a curved stirrup have two strap rings at the ankle, possibly to offer strap
adjustment, or for added strap security, or maybe added as an afterthought attempting to
correct improper placement the first time. Whatever the reason, the curved stirrup
would seem to cause fatigue very quickly, so I'm not sure if this pair was ever used much
or even at all. Non-adjustable shank, non-replaceable gaffs.
Forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H035ii] B1. Standing only 9 1/2"
high, this short set of climbers may have been made for mobile use where they could be
carried for a long distance and used only occasionally. I don't know this for a
fact, but they're small and light. The shank on these would have to go up the
outside of the leg. There are no rivets on this set, with the only belt loop on top
being made by shaping the strapping. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaffs.
Home-made
climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H036jj] B1. Somebody made this short set
of "sport-type" climbers with a vise and a welder. You can see the jaw
marks from the vise on the individual pieces that are welded together. These too may
have been made for mobile use where weight and size needed to be minimized. These
are not old, but I thought they were interesting. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable
gaffs.
Forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H044rr] B2. This set of forged climbers
have three things about their design that I find interesting. The curved stirrup;
the ankle belt keeper is on the outside of the ankle; and the belt keeper loops and gaffs
appear to have been soldered in place with copper welding material. Non-adjustable,
non-replaceable gaffs.
Welded
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H045ss] B2. You definitely wouldn't be
walking around on the ground with this set of welded climbers on your feet. I'm not
exactly sure why the gaffs, which were made out of round stock and shaped to a blade, were
made so long. This may be a failed attempt at designing climbers. The belt
loops appear to be made out of links from a chain. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable
gaffs.
Welded
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H046tt] B2. These hand-made climbers
appear to be welded instead of forged. The most interesting things about this set,
is the way that the ankle straps were attached, and also the metal "pads" at the
top. The ankle straps are riveted inside of the stirrups,
while the calf straps are riveted outside of the pads. The metal pads have a
felt-like material on the inside, attached to the climbers by the strap rivets.
There are indications that a second strap was used above the ankle at the gaff, to
work along with the strap going over the arch of the foot. These climbers didn't
come out even in length or shape during the construction process, and don't show any signs
of use. Maybe another failed design. Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaffs.
Forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H048vv] B3. A set of climbers that appear
to have been made from strapping and harness hardware. Here's another example of the
ankle strap keeper being attached to the outside of the stirrup, something I don't see all
that much. The most interesting thing about this set, is that there is a
"dimple" in the outside of each shank, about midway along the length of the
shank (Photo H048vv01b). Both dimples are of equal size, location and depth (about
3/4 of the way through the strapping, but not completely through), like they were put
there on purpose. I can't figure out what the reason would have been. If it
were an aborted hole on one, maybe the builder put it on the other one to make them match,
or could they be the builder's signature? I'll probably never know.
Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaffs.
Forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. Hforg01] B3. This pair of long-shank
climbers appear to have been made out of recycled strap iron. There are holes along
the shank that don't seem to have any real reason for being there, and may have served a
purpose on the contraption that they were taken from. Non-adjustable,
non-replaceable gaffs.
Blacksmith
Double-Spur Climbers. Barbara Boone Collection [Ref. No. G013BB]. Photos by
Barbara Boone. Barbara just recently sold these climbers on eBay, the Internet
Auction. Barbara described them as "...early 1800's, all hand made, wonderful
example of what a skillful blacksmith could invent and forge from scratch. Always
hung on the wall of our 1880 shop, and never used in the last 150 years, ...possibly used
on early telegraph poles." Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaff.
Hand-forged
Climbers. Jim Binkley Collection [Ref. No. G010JB]. Jim describes these
climbers as "...came out of an old barn in Maine. They appear to have been made
by a blacksmith and the gaff is really an unusual design. I have been told that they
are probably from the 1800s". There are no maker marks visible on them.
Non-adjustable, non-replaceable gaff.
Hand-forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H022v] B1. Hand-forged climbers made of
single strips of metal with the hand-shaped gaffs attached similar to a rivet, and belt
holders riveted in place. The back side of each gaff is "peened" with a
hammer while the metal was still heated, to attach it firmly in place. The belt
loops appear to be cast metal. They may be harness hardware put to a new use.
I can't find any markings on the climbers, other than hammer marks when shaping.
Hand-forged
Climbers. CD's collection [Ref. No. H017q] B3. Hand-forged climbers made of
single strips of metal. The only thing that is adjustable on this set of climbers is
the height of the ankle strap (there are two additional rivet holes to raise or lower the
lower strap). It appears that a single long upper strap made a double loop around
the leg to secure the top. Notice that the shanks are placed on the OUTSIDE of the
leg on this pair. The close-up shows the detail of how the maker "split"
the strap of metal to form a loop.
Civil War
climbers. Bob Renehan collection [Ref. No. G001CW]. Photo provided by Bob Renehan.
Bob writes: "The leg irons are 3/8 " round stock. The climbers are
placed on the OUTSIDE of the leg, same metal under the boot and on the 2½ inch
inside with an 1½ inch gaff. The top has a leather strap but no other strap to hold
the climber to the foot." They are on display in the Frontier Telephone Museum,
CWA Local 1170, 2060 Brighton Henrietta, Town Line Road, Rochester, NY.
Hand Forged
climbers. Aaron Howell collection. [Ref. No. G004ts]. Photos provided by
James Leavenworth. Owned by Aaron Howell, they are described as being wrought iron
with the parts riveted or tenoned together rather than forge welded. The holes are
hot punched rather than drilled. They're about 14" long with 3½" wide
stirrups. They are a portion of the Northwest Lineman College Historic Display in
Meridian, Idaho.
Home-made hook.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H003c] B3. Hand-forged gaff welded (poorly) onto
hand-forged shank. Non-adjustable. Found in a field near Frederick, Oklahoma
by a lady plowing her field. (Note: Perhaps this was an effort to construct climbers
for harvesting pecans that are plentiful in the area. I hope the project was
scrapped before anyone tried climbing with a pair of these!)
Hargrave. CD's
collection [Ref. No. H004d] B1. Stamped "HARGRAVE" & "15½"
on inside of shank. Non-adjustable shank, non-replaceable gaff.
Hayes. CD's
collection [Ref. No. H026z] B3. Cast "HAYES" & stamped "16"
on the outside of the shank, and cast "PATENTED 1939" on the underside of the
stirrup. Non-adjustable shank, non-replaceable gaff. The photo shows what
looks like a matched pair, and although they are very similar, I can't say for sure that
the second one is a mate. Someone has made a repair to the shank by attaching a
splint to the inside of the shank at about midway. It doesn't appear that they were
changing the length of the climber, but possibly repairing damage to the shank. The
splint is attached with 6 rivets plus weld beads along the edge. The shank was
dressed down with a grinder to complete the repairs, and most stamping or cast lettering
was removed. The stamped numbers "1127" are clearly visible on the outside
of the shank right below the upper belt loop (no such numbers on the "Hayes"
climber). The underside of the stirrup has a similar cast "rib" and
"depression", but it really doesn't match the size of the other one, even if
considerable wear is taken into consideration. The gaff has been welded on with an
arc welder to provide a new gaff. I'm going to say these were not originally a
matched set, but I don't know what else to call the second one. CD
Hayes.
CD's collection [Ref. No. H039mm] B1. Cast "HAYES" & stamped
"15 1/2" on the outside of the shank.The patent casting on the underside of the
stirrup is worn off and illegible. This pair has been brush painted black (complete
with drips and runs), probably to make them appear more marketable. Non-adjustable
shank, non-replaceable gaff. This appears to be a matched set.
Hoiness
& Hoiness (Norway). Kim Blake collection [Ref. No. G016KB]. Photos by Kim
Blake. Kim had a Norwegian friend of his send him a pair to Dallas, TX. These
are black anodized aluminum, have an adjustable foot plate and pole diameter , and a
single strap. Kim reports that using them feels as good as standing on the ground,
rock solid.
Igelfor (Sweden).
Con Moloney/ESB collection [Ref. No. G007Co]. Photos courtesy of ESB Ireland.
"Wrap-around" wood pole climbers in use currently in Ireland on poles up to
110KV circuits. Large replacement pole diameters are becoming a problem for using
this type of climber. UPDATE: Con tells me
they're looking at a new Igelfor 550mm diameter climber made out of titanium or some other
light/strong material.
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