Varia Bindings

Lithograph in colours promoting Marker bindings dating from 1953 (approx) offered in good original condition with vertical and horizontal folds. We are unsure why the poster promotes the name Varia though this may be the name of the distributor, a shortening of baVaria perhaps. This binding is in fact one of the earliest ‘Marker’ designs made by Hannes Marker, called the ‘Duplex’ (as may be seen on the poster). The duplex toe was first sold in 1953 to improve release as too many skiers were breaking their legs as the boot would not release in a fall. The Duplex used two small wedge-shaped metal clips that fitted over the toe of the boot, holding it down, and used a spring in order to keep the boot centred. During a fall, the clips were forced outward allowing it to release the toe. Thank you Mr Marker! A fascinating and rare piece of skiing history.