Holland speed skates (4)
On this page some examples of ice skates with interesting details are shown. Sometimes they present a kind of signature of the blacksmith that forged them; sometimes they were applied on request of the future owner. Often these ice skates concern unique items that cause collectors to loose their heads.
 
Fig.1: Holland speed skates, around 1900
Detail 1. In collectors' circles the 'waves' at the front of these skates are called 'cockscomb' . They present the 'signature' of the blacksmith.

Manufacturer: Dirk Schakel, Barwoutswaarder
Mark:

Technical data:
total length: 39 cm; height over ice: 3.4 cm;
platforms: 30 cm long, 5 cm wide;
runner blades: 15 mm tall, 2 mm thick;
weight: 240g
 
Fig.2: Holland speed skates, around 1900
Detail 2. The meaning of the V-shape at the front of these skates is not clear. It could hint toward the ears of an owl but could also represent a heart.

Manufacturer: unknown
Mark: PS

Technical data:
total length: 39 cm; height over ice: 3.4 cm;
platforms: 30 cm long, 5 cm wide;
runner blades: 15 mm tall, 2 mm thick;
weight: 240g
 

Fig.3: Holland speed skates, around 1900
Detail 3. The meaning of this symbol is not clear as well. The platforms look as if they were replaced or in other words that the runner blades are much older.

Manufacturer: unknown
Mark: none

Technical data:
total length: 38 cm; height over ice: 3.6 cm;
platforms: 28 cm long, 5 cm wide;
runner blades: 11 mm tall, 3 mm thick;
weight: 310 g
 
fig.4: Holland speed skates, around 1900
Detail 4. These skates clearly show a heart shape. It might be that they were a present for a beloved girl.

Manufacturer: unknown
Mark: none

Technical data: not available
Fig.5: Holland speed skates, around 1900
Detail 5. These do not have a peculiar tip but the whole head itself attracts attention.

Manufacturer: unknown
Mark: none

Technical data:
total length: 28 cm; height over ice: 4.1 cm;
platforms: 29 cm long, 6.5 cm wide;
runner blades: 15 mm tall, 3 mm thick;
weight: 410 g
 

detail 1
 


detail 2
 


detail 3
 


detail 4
 


detail 5

 
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