- From Stephane Pennequin: The following information is taken from two Au Vieux Campeur catalogs, a famous French mail order climbing gear retailer. In catalog 1972, one can see the first generation of the Anneau (ring in French); In catalog 1976, the second generation of the Anneau. A good friend of mine used the first generation in 1968. This open ring made in Europe (France?) was used to carry a great deal of pitons on long aid climbs.
I contacted my friend Hermann Huber about the piton-Carrier. Hermann managed the famous German company Salewa for many years. I am delighted to share Hermann’s reply with you. The German name Hakenschani was somewhat strange “artificial” name, composed from Haken (piton) + Schani (no meaning in proper German), but a dialect expression of Bavarian-Austrian origin describing a man who may be a some sort of server/servil guy helper (nothing exactly precise). Also… Schani may nearly symbolize German “Scharnier” (pivoting device). I liked a bit of “word playing?”
Here is some more interesting information that I found about the Piton Carrier (Hakenschani). The first generation was invented by H. Strathmann who filed out a Patent on July 14th, 1961 for this piece of climbing gear. Patent number DE1174228B. The climbing gear history buffs also might be interested to know that Bill Forrest filed a Patent for his PinBin on July 22nd, 1968. Patent number US3563430A.
Piton Carriers - Au Vieux catalog 1972
Piton Carriers - Au Vieux catalog 1976
Earlier version of the Haken-Schani Late 1950s/1960? - photo from ebay
1950 Abercrombie and Fitch catalog shows a item that looks similar to this one, but the catalog lists that it is named a Handle Lock made for securing grommets at the top of a bag - made of Brass. This one is stainless steel. So early 1950s Handle Lock used as a Piton Carrier.