Tiltall 1960 Vintage Original #4602 Tripod Made by Marchioni in USA

Description

This is an original vintage C.M. Marchioni Tiltall #4602 aluminum tripod manufactured in 1960 in Rutherford, New Jersey. It’s in outstanding condition. It should not be confused with subsequent the Leitz version or any of the versions made in Asia or elsewhere.
• It’s a phenomenally well-constructed tripod with a three-way head.
• It can be extended up to six-feet tall.
• All functions operate perfectly.
• Smooth controls.
• Tight locks.
• When closed it measures 4” x 4” x 29”.
• It weights 6 pounds.
The story of this classic tripod:
In 1946 the Marchioni brothers began working on a design for a metal tripod: one that was solid, light, and could effectively maximize the versatile tilting head. After a tremendous amount of research and work, the first Tiltall was produced. The Marchioni line of Tiltall tripods were world-renowned and considered by many professional photographers to be the finest available.
From 1946 to 1973, the Tiltall production remained in the hands of the Marchionis. Production was purposely limited to allow the brothers an opportunity to personally supervise and control all steps in the production cycle and assure a product of consistent quality. The files of the brothers are filled with letters of testimonial to the quality and superb performance of the Tiltall tripod demonstrating the success of this approach. Also, in spite of virtually no budget for advertising, Tiltall’s fame spread and the orders for new tripods far exceeded the brothers’ ability to produce them—even in the leanest years of our economy.
Early in 1973, Gene Anderegg, from E. Leitz, Inc., in Rockleigh, New Jersey, who had known of the Tiltall for many years, contacted the Marchionis to discuss a possible affiliation. Leitz had an enviable reputation in the scientific world as the builder of the highest quality microscopes, and in the photographic world as the creator of the famous Leica 35mm system of photography. The Marchionis felt that the time was right to retire and had been searching for someone to carry on the tradition they had established with such great care. The Leitz reputation was enough proof for the Marchionis and a deal was consummated. And so, the tripod works were moved from Rutherford, New Jersey, to Rockleigh, New Jersey, where the Marchionis personally trained the staff.
This is a rare, original tripod that functions exquisitely and is in excellent shape.