Antique RMC Paris Wooden Military Cross Country Snow Skis 80"

Description

Antique RMC Paris Ski Company 10th mountain division military skis from WW II era, circa 1942. Made of oak featuring traditional form with metal bindings. Engraved with the name Bill Hardisty . The holes in the tips were typical of military skis, because they used them for lashing two skis together to make a sled for transport of supplies or bodies.

Paris Manufacturing Co. was founded by Henry Morton in 1861 in Paris, Maine. It was best known for making sleds and skis, but the company also made desks and other unique furnishings.

The 10th Mountain Division trained in various places from 1943-1944, including their base at Camp Hale (9,200 ft near Leadville) in Colorado and at Cooper ski area. Mountaineering experts Jim & Lou Whittaker (the first American to summit Everest & founder of Rainier Mountaineering Inc., respectively) were hired to train these men in Camp Hale and on Mount Rainier, WA. The 10th trained hard to live, sleep, climb, ski, and fight on snow in the harshest conditions. During maneuvers, the 10th would lay down their skis on the snow, throw their double sleeping bags on top of that and call it good for the night. This training created some of America’s strongest soldiers, and they were called on to prove it.

In late 1944 the 10th was shipped to Italy, fought courageously against the Nazis in many battles, and saw 114 days of combat.

After World War II, many 10th Mountain Division warriors returned to the USA and continued skiing. 10th Mountain Division veterans started much of the US ski industry. It’s valid to say that the USA’s ski industry would never have become widespread without these warriors.

Condition

Fair condition, wear and distressing from age and use, finish loss / alligatoring, holes in tips, rusted hardware.

Dimensions

79.5" x 3" x 1"