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 1860 and 1890. For the first (1st) pair, also serving as the oldest and likely originating in North America, the rare double curl handmade blade and wooden platform offerings date to circa-1860-75 and feature a hand carved wooden platform and forged blades while measuring roughly 14" in length and total height of 1 3/4". Almost slightly convex with the blade narrower along its length and wider at the heel and toe, one (1) skate has had a nail added to it to prevent slipping at the heel while the tip of one (1) toe curl is missing, along with the leather straps of both skates. The second (2nd) pair, dating to circa-1870, are a traveling skate likely of German origin that was imported to Holland and were manufactured by a blacksmith in the era. Measuring 13 1/2" in overall length with a platform height of 2 3/4", the skates feature an hourglass shaped dark wood platform with a tapered blade that is narrower at the heel than the toe. Sporting decorative notching at the top of the blades nee the insert into the platform, both leather heel cups are present along with most of the other leather parts as well. For the third (3rd) pair, dating to circa-1880 and originating in England, the "English Club Skates" measure out to an overall length of 10 3/4" with a wooden platform that is shaped to conform to the foot. Stamped "C. A. Williams & Co. Steel Plate" and what also appears to be the word "Hardened" at the end, the blade width features a strong obtuse angle that narrows slightly at the toe while the heel is shaped to provide grip for stopping. Both stamped with "10" and "19" and featuring a decorative/protective metal inlay, the large heel screw that is typical of English skates is seen on both while the wide two (2) buckle toe strap and heel straps are missing. Finally, for the fourth (4th) and final pair, named club figure skates and dating to circa-1880-90, are of American origin and could have been done by a blacksmith in knock-off style of union hardware or are simply just unstamped. Measuring an overall length of 12 3/4" and featuring obtuse angle blades, the skates are tapered at the heel and toe while a large heel screw is present along with smaller points near the front to prevent slipping. Additionally, the leather straps have gone missing. All extremely unique and rare, don't miss out on these special antique offerings.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).