old ice axe "Recreational Equipment" Switzerland

[Deangreen123]

http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z344/iamagreen/Temp/iceaxe_zps11a9aa17.jpg
http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z344/iamagreen/Temp/REIlogo2_zps0b5032d3.jpg
http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z344/iamagreen/Temp/swisslogo_zps1a46eeb5.jpg

I bought this old ice axe at a yard sale and wonder if anyone has any info on it. It is stamped with "Recreational Equipment" on one side and "Made in Switzerland" on the other side with some other words I cannot make out. Thanks.

 

[TARFU'D]

Old timer for sure...great find

 

[bobs1415]

Could well be a very early import by the folks that became REI. Ping them and see if anybody recognizes it.

 

[Steve Tall]

Some clues from REI history:

1936 -- Unable to find quality ice axes in the U.S., avid mountaineer Lloyd Anderson sources them from Austria for $3.50.
1939 -- When Austrian sources become inaccessible during World War II, the co-op turns to Switzerland for quality ice axes and other goods.

Source:
http://reihistory.com/1930/
http://reihistory.com/1940/

 

[WarnerB]

That is an awesome find. Nice going...