Joseph Willish (1872-1943) began making ice axes in Täsch (near Zermatt), Switzerland around 1900. His ice axe was characterized by a pick with a well-mixed straight line and curve. The original inscriptions was Jos. Willisch, Bergführer, Taesch-Zermatt. This shows that Joseph was also a mountain guide (Bergführer).
After Joseph, his younger brother Konstanza Willisch (1880-1957) took over the blacksmith. Konstanz's sons were Max (1910-1945) and Roman (1913-1977) started making ice axes around 1936. Their axes were marked Gebr. Willisch (Willisch Brothers), a label that continued after Max’s death.
Around 1955, the inscription became only Roman's. The shape of the head began to change. The adze became a curved cup shape, and teeth were added under the pick.
The third generation Konstanz (1946– ) began making ice axes around 1967. Eventually, his brother Gottfried (1945– ) also joined them. The inscription changed to R. WILLISCH & Söhne (R. Willisch & Sons). Sometime after Roman's death in 1977, the inscription simply became WILLISCH. Gottfried’s son, Roger (1975– ) continued the family tradition, making ice axes until at least 2005 and probably 2010 or beyond.
