C.M.I. Crack Tacks

These two Crack Tacks from CMI (Colorado Mountain Industries) are unopened original stock. The industry term for old but new retail merchandise is New Old Stock often shortened to NOS.

It is interesting to see the piton came with webbing supplied to thread the very small hole in the eye. This was where the piton was clipped on to the rope system  and where a leader would clip in their aid ladders. The webbing could be hand tied or, if you had access to a good industrial sewing machine, you could stitch it for a cleaner look. Later, climbers would use steel cable and swages to replace the webbing with a more confidence inspiring clip-in loop.