| Belgian speed skates |
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Fig.1:
Belgian speed skates, about 1900 The names of three Belgian ice skates makers are known. They did not stamp their name or sign in the runners as was done in the Netherlands for example. This model however quite certainly came from the workshops of Metalworking Métal SC in Nieuwpoort, that used the trademark Métalco. A substantial number of them must have been sold, because several of them are in collectors' hands. The design hints in the direction of a more or less serial production. Also the size stamp '28' on the platforms confirms this assumption. In the museum depot a further specimen is available with the number '30', of which the curls were sewed off for safety reasons (detail 1b). The numbers indicate the size. 11" and 12˝" respectively. The slots for the straps were left open in the runners instead of in the wooden platforms which is quite remarkably (detail 1b and 1c). Manufacturer: Metalco, Nieuwpoort, Belgium Mark: none Technical data: total length: 34 cm; height over ice: 3.5 cm; platforms 28 cm long. 5.5 cm wide; runners: 14 mm tall, 2 mm thick; weight: 250 g |
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Fig.2:
Belgian speed skates, about 1900 Well made ice skates, probably by a blacksmith. Nice head (detail 2a). Mind the connection between platform and runner at the heel which is by means of wedge shaped left out in the runner and the bolt that was filed to match this hole (detail 2b). Also mind the circular hole in the platform. It indicates the use of rope for the heel straps which helps to date these ice skates around 1900. Manufacturer: unknown Mark: none Technical data: total length: 31 cm; height over ice: 4 cm; platforms 25 cm long. 5 cm wide; runners: 21 mm tall, 2.5 mm thick; weight: 285 g |
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Fig.3:
Belgian speed skates,
about 1940 Sturdy, almost clumsy, pair (details 3a and 3b). Most likely the product of a local blacksmith, maybe for his own use. Manufacturer: unknown Mark: none Technical data: total length: 33 cm; height over ice: 4 cm; platforms 25 cm long. 5 cm wide; runners: 14 mm tall, 3 mm thick; weight: 380g |
 detail 1a
 detail 1c
 detail 2a
 detail 3a
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