Item # 16-379

Antique ice skates estimated to have been made in the early to mid 1800's. Delicate curly maple wood platforms with brass inserts at the heel, middle and toe areas. The heel and mid inserts incorporate sharp steel studs designed to keep the shoes from moving side-to-side. The skates are not marked with a maker's mark so could be the work of a good craftsman of the period. The runners are straight so these skates were not intended for figure skating. The runners have nice 3 1/2 inch curls culminating in finials.

Country of origin not known but probably either England or America.

The skates are in very good condition. The right platform has an old crack at the heel that is stabilized by the inlay on top of platform. There is an indication of an old repair clamp location but the clamp seems to not have been used as the owner likely deemed it redundant as the inlay and the screws served to stabilize the crack. The leather straps are not present but would have been of the configuration typical of the period.The wood has been cleaned and the steel polished and likely waxed to prevent corrosion. The wood does not appear to have ever been painted.

Size is 13 1/4 inches long by 2 inches wide at the heel and instep and 1 1/4 inches high, excluding the height of the curls.