Animal bone skates tend to be off-white or slightly yellow in color. [2] X Research source Traditionally, settlers would use a stick or pole to provide direction and stability on the ice, as the bone skates couldn’t be used on their own. Since these skates are very old, it’s unlikely that you’ll stumble across them anywhere.
Some wooden skates have a curved edge along the toe, which means they were crafted after the 15th century. Since these skates pre-date the 19th century, you probably won’t come across any in your search for antiques.
Older skates weren’t designed as individual shoes. Instead, they were extensions that the skater attached to their boot.
Enameled metal skates were attachments that the skater could fit their boot or shoe into.
Since toe picks were designed for more expressive skating, they weren’t necessary or included in older skates.
Original hockey skates were composed of a short boot. It wasn’t until the 1890s that support straps were added to the skates. [10] X Research source
As the nickname suggests, these skates had clipping or “clamping” attachments that would connect them to the skater’s boot.
Leather laces are associated with very old skates, while buckles, straps, and screws are more modern innovations.
For instance, if your skate has the “Harlick” logo on it, you can assume that they were made sometime after 1935.
