History

The Ingalls archaeological handpick/patiche was "born" in late 1985 after one of Larry and Dorothy Ingalls' many excursions to archaeological dig sites in the Middle East.

After becoming increasingly frustrated with the poor quality of handpicks available at that time, Larry Ingalls made his own at the dig site out of a section of automobile leaf spring welded to a steel and wood handle. It worked great, but weighed too much for anyone other than a blacksmith to use. Larry gave his prototype handpick to his son, Bill, who duplicated the balance and function of Larry’s prototype in the lightweight, yet durable tool, sold today.

For over 30 years the company has existed as a small, family-run business. After Larry's death in 1987, the daily operations passed to Dorothy, and then on to Bill Ingalls. Bill then turned the business over to his wife, Deb, who nurtured and sustained it until 1997, when she passed it on to Larry and Dorothy's granddaughter, Ursula Syrova. Ursula ran the business for 13 years, until 2010. At that point, the business returned to Deb and Bill Ingalls, who now operate it jointly. Bill makes the picks, and Deb handles the office.

What hasn't changed over the years is the family's commitment to produce consistently high-quality products that fulfill the needs of archaeologists and other digging enthusiasts worldwide.