Pierre Allain (asymmetric D) (anodized gate)

Pierre Allain
(asymmetric D) (anodized gate)

Name:Pierre Allain (asymmetric D) (anodized gate)
Category:non-locking
Shape:asymmetric D
Material:aluminum
Profile:flat
Nose:notch & pin
Nose Guard:none
Rivets:pin: proud
Gate Shield:none
Weight:68 g
Dimensions:Length: 112 mm
Width: 58 mm
Gate Opening: 18 mm
Strength Ratings:Major Axis: 2800 Kg
Other Markings:Forged: P. ALLAIN 2800 Kg | BREVETTE S G D G
Punched: (pyramid proof punch)
Collection Criteria:★ Historically Interesting or Iconic
Summary:anodized gate made from tubing, from an early carabiner manufacturer
Description & Commentary:

Interestingly, the gate of this carabiner is made from tubing, plugged at the open end of the gate. These Pierre Allain models are the only examples in the collection (as of Oct 2022) utilizing this form of construction. This particular example has a blue/teale color anodized gate.

The nose protrudes from the rear of the gate through the latch cut-out.

Pierre Allain was one of the earliest carabiner manufacturers, selling out of his shop in France.

In 1965 Pierre Allain started individual testing, marking a tested carabiner with a pyramid punch next to the rating. Although this example is for a different carabiner, it does have the distinctive square/pyramid mark As such, I believe this to be produced in 1965 or later.

See the Pierre Allain (latchless) for an example of a carabiner (technically a gated hook) without the punch mark. This is likely the same type of carabiner found in a 1965 advertisement touting individual proof testing, but produced prior to the introduction of testing. The advertisement (and other excellent climbing content) can be found on Les Caffmeux.

Here is the 1965 advertisement translated into English (courtesy of Reddit user u/1_1_8_3):

THE NEW CARABINER 1965

PIERRE ALLAIN 1600kg

This new carabiner (SGDG patented), made from a special light alloy [referring to 7000 series aluminum/zinc alloy marketed as "Zicral"], take its great resistance from its metal and the particular shape of its drawing that brings the point of support of the applied force very close to the main branch [carabiner spine], which reduce as much as possible the length of the leverage arm.

With its maximum lightness (65g) and its breaking load (1600kg), the carabiner PIERRE ALLAIN reaches unmatched performances.

As an additional security measure and to remove any part that could have an hidden structural defect, each carabiner is tested at half its breaking load (800kg), remaining below its yield point.

To avoid any mistake, a punch (small square pyramid) is automatically struck during the trial, next to the 1600kg indication, as a proof that it has been tested.

This way you can check this mark on your new carabiners, and also appreciate the quality of operation of their metal gates.

But BEWARE, to benefits from these advantages of operation and assurance, you have to ask your seller for the NEW CARABINER 1965, manufactured exclusively by PIERRE ALLAIN from URIAGE

-----

EXCLUSIVE manufacturer of PIERRE ALLAIN 1956 carabiner, that was selected to equip the French expedition 1965 in Himalaya, PIERRE ALLAIN "Les Essarts" [a locality] Uriage (Isère)