Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction June 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/15/2016
Beginning with bone, ice skates then evolved to steel, with the first edged blades thought to have been developed in the Netherlands in the 13th or 14th century. Many Dutch Masters portrayed ice skating in subject matter, with boisterous depictions verifying contemporary popularity. This group of 7 pairs represents a bygone era, with wooden models giving way to solid steel construction. Four of the offered pairs are mid-to-late 19th century with wooden bases, while the remaining three are solid steel examples that are rare models seldom seen. Two of the wooden pairs have elegantly curled blades including an example with attractive clamshell-shaped termination knobs, while a third pair has “J.L. Whelpley Boston” on each blade.
The wooden-based examples all appear to be adult sized, with the possible exception of one, with all showing heavy use including wear/rust to the blades along with some age cracking to the wood. Three of the pairs also show varying remnants of their original leather hardware. The three solid steel examples remain in good solid condition. We have a German pair labeled “Hudora”, with an image on each blade near the tip of a generic speedskater. The second steel pair was produced by Union Hardware of Connecticut, with rare attachments for the leg between the calf and ankle. The last steel pair was made by Robert Gibson of Birmingham Connecticut, and they feature hollow steel foot pads.
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).