William Andrew "Dolt" Feuerer,  Nov 23, 1932 - Dec (late), 1971
In the autumn of 1955 while stationed at Castle Air near Merced California, Bill became interested in rock climbing. At first he stumbled on the easy climbs, but became a more efficient climber as time went on. In 1956 Bill gets a First Ascent of the Totem Pole in Arizona. Then in 1957 Bill is with Harding and Powell starting the Nose Route in Yosemite. My thoughts are that Bill started creating climbing gear in 1957.
Mid November 1957: Through excess of Prolific wine consumption, climbers began discussing Bills idiosyncratic unpredictable judgements, and that Bill was guilty of “Doltish” behavior. And with wine sloshing from his cup while performing a foot scorching drunken dance upon the fire, Bill asserted again and again, yes “I am the Dolt”. This is how the climbing gear company “DOLT” got its name. (Plus other Bill silliness contributed to the DOLT name).
Bill Feuerer - Photo by: Tom Frost
What I find interesting is that when Bill first stated he was the “DOLT,” Bill spelled it “DOLDT.” I wonder if it was because he knew the word Dolt meant idiot or such, so he spelled it DOLDT but then quickly changed it back to “DOLT.” In 1958 the last climbing that Bill did on the Nose, is the pitch going up to Boot Flake. On that pitch there were a line of rectangle aid bolts all marked “DOLDT.” This photo shows Bills personal gear which many pieces probably saw some action on the FA of the Nose. Out of this gear two of the pitons have the “DOLDT” mark. Most of the pitons marked “DOLT” are made by Cassin, CCB, 2 are made by Bill, and one a Salathe horizontal.
Bill Feuerer's personal climbing gear
c.1956-1957
"DOLDT" or "DOLT" mark added to pitons in 1957-1958
Gear used on the first ascent of the Nose Route, Yosemite.
Dolt hanger marked "DOLDT" from the Nose Route, Yosemite CA
Two pitons made by Bill Feuerer
Bill's personal rack
One piton marked "DOLT"
c.late 1950s
Cassin piton
Bill's Personal Rack
Marked "DOLDT"
c.1958
R. Cassin piton
Bill's personal rack
Marked "DOLT"
c.1958
No manufacturer mark on the piton but I think this is a 1950s Austrian piton possibly made by F.Ralling. Piton blade may have been cut down (If not this is a custom made piton).
Bill's personal rack.
Marked "DOLT"
F.Ralling ice piton
Bill's personal rack
No manufacturer marks on the piton
c.1950s
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DOLT 1958 catalog
The shorter Dolt Angle piton (with red paint) is from the YC Collection.
Dolt Angle pitons
c.1958
The darker piton was donated by Michael Chessler.
Dolt 1958 Angle piton shown on ebay
Dolt 1958 Angle piton - YC Collection
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DOLT Piton
c.1958
Used on the FA of the Nose Route.
This piton was given as a gift from Bill to Jim Bridwell in the early 1960s. Jim told me that he beat the crap out of this piton and it was unbreakable. Jim's only complaint about the piton is its weight.
Army ring angle piton 1970s
Salathe channel piton 1940s/1950s
Dolt angle piton 1958