Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction September 2024
A quartet of extreme rarities and dating back to an era that saw the game of hockey in its infancy and most primitive forms that predated Lord Stanley and the historic trophy that would come to bear his name, offered here is this lot consisting of four (4) pairs of antique 19th century ice skates that all date between 1800 and 1880. For the first (1st) pair, also serving as the oldest and originating in Holland, the Dutch made examples featuring curled blades are blacksmith made with a stamp observed over the curl. Measuring an overall length of 15 3/4" with a curl height of 3 3/4", the elegant "tin can" style curls sport a deep violin shaped platform with a decorative design at the point here the blade attaches to the front of the platform while retaining their original leather construction heel cup and string as well as one (1) leather front strap also. For the second (2nd) pair, blacksmith made children's sized curls that are of North American origin and date between 1820 to 1850, the hand carved oak or walnut platforms are of an hourglass shape while the hand forged blades end in a high curl and sport a delicate tiny scroll. Unusual to see a child's skate with such a high curl, the skates measure an overall length of 10 1/2" and retain their original front leather straps as well as the remains of one (1) rear rope strap. Of note, one (1) blade is not secured to the footstock. For the third (3rd) pair, dating to circa-1860 and of United States origin, the skates are possibly blacksmith made but based on N. C. Sanford Co. model skates of the same era as the blades were not manufactured since they are not identical. Stamped with "10" for the size and sporting an overall length of 12 1/2", the skates are missing their original leather straps and a small spike is found in each heel. Finally, for the fourth (4th) and final pair, the large triple curl skates of United States origin date to circa-1880 and are blacksmith manufactured. A magnificent example of craftsmanship and artistry, the overall length measures in at 13" and all the leather is present and accounted for while brass heel cups with brass or copper rivets hold the leather in place and there is a step down for the heel of the wearer's show in the platform. All extremely unique and rare, don't miss out on these special antique offerings.
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