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 speed/racing ice skates that date between 1830 and 1890. For the first (1st) pair, also serving as the oldest and originating in Friesland, Holland, is a pair of Friesland Speed Skates that date between 1830 and 1840. Likely blacksmith made and featuring a blade that does not extend the complete length of the skate, the overall length comes in at 15 3/4" while the blade is tapered narrower at the front versus the heel. Sporting a notch in one (1) heel, possibly for the purpose of stopping, the leather heel straps are present while there were also likely more straps than what remains at the front. Additionally, some tiny heel and ball of foot spikes are observed to prevent slipping. For the second (2nd) pair, another set of Friesland Speed Skates originating from Friesland, Holland that closely match what is seen on the first pair, the blade does not extend the whole length of the skate and the overall length comes in at 13 1/2". Dating between 1865-80 and done by an unknown manufacturer, the blade is protected by wood up the height of the curl and the leather is still present. For the third (3rd) pair, named "Whepley Long Reachers" and manufactured in Whepley, Greenwich, New Brunswick, Canada, the long reach speed skates date between 1870 and 1890 with an overall length of 17 1/4". Featuring a maple platform shaped slightly to conform to the foot, all the leather straps and copper fittings are present and accounted for while one (1) blade is slightly bent at the toe. Finally, for the fourth (4th) and final pair, is a pair of speed skates with safety curls at both toes that originate in either Norway or Holland and date from the period between 1880 and 1890. Stamped "STAAL" (steel in English) and presenting with an overall length of 14 3/4", the wooden platform presents with a step down for the heel of the wearers shoe and the leather heel cup plus the strap are present and accounted for. All extremely unique and rare, don't miss out on these special antique offerings.
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