Raffi Bedayn (1915-1982) designed these carabiners at the end of World War Two. They were manufactured from the early 1950s through the mid 1960s.
The carabiners have two distinct production runs. The first era of production had “Bedayn Calif” on the gate and the second had “Bedayn California” as shown in our collection.
Raffi Bedayn (Originally Bedayan) was a remarkable man with an impressive climbing resume as well as seeing service in World War Two and years of involvement with the American Alpine Club. He was one of the original Yosemite golden age climbers and shared a rope with many of the leading talents of the day.
If you go to Yosemite and visit Camp 4 You will see his memorial stone at a place of honor below Big Columbia boulder right by Midnight Lightning.