Whitmore Aluminum Piton #4

Object/Artifact

-

Yosemite Climbing Museum

Various aluminum pitons made by George Whitmore and used on the first ascent of the Nose of El Capitan completed in 1958 after 47 days of effort spread out over nearly a year and a half effort.

Various aluminum pitons made by George Whitmore and used on the first ascent of the Nose of El Capitan completed in 1958 after 47 days of effort spread out over nearly a year and a half effort.

Name/Title

Whitmore Aluminum Piton #4

Entry/Object ID

2026.1.4

Description

Lost Arrow Type Aluminum piton #4 made by George Whitmore

Use

piton

Context

Made and used by George Whitmore, Wayne Merry, and Warren Harding on the first ascent of the Nose of El Capitan completed in 1958.

Collection

Yosemite Climbing Museum Permanent Collection

Category

Climbing Hardware, Pitons

Acquisition

Accession

2026.1

Notes

Acquired in 1993

Made/Created

Artist

George Whitmore

Notes

circa 1950s

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

engraved GWW

Location

top of blade, one location

Dimensions

Dimension Description

length and measurement of the widest point

Width

1 in

Length

4-1/4 in

Material

Aluminum

Location

Location

Display Case

Exhibit Case 07

Date

January 20, 2026

Provenance

Provenance Detail

George Whitmore

Owner/Agent

George Whitmore

Role

Creator

Notes

Gifted to Ken Yager by George Whitmore in 1993 at his personal home in Fresno.

General Notes

Note Type

Cataloging Note

Note

Caption in museum is: "Various aluminum pitons made by George Whitmore and used on the first ascent of the Nose of El Capitan completed in 1958 after 47 days of effort spread out over nearly a year and a half effort."

Create Date

January 20, 2026

Update Date

January 20, 2026