|
In the Netherlands snow skates
are not much seen because lasting snow periods are seldom. Most of the
skates shown here therefore come from Germany or the USA where snowy
winters are more common. Since not much is known about their use The
virtual ice Skates museum would appreciate to receive any information
that can extend the information given on this page.
|
|
 |
|
|
Fig.1: Snow skates, around 1935 These snow skates look a bit like ski's. But because the runners are rather small they do not seem very suitably for fresh snow. They are fastened under boots like ordinary skates. Their size seem to make them fit for grown-ups. Their looks are as if they have been made in a serial production system. Manufacturer: German, but name unknown Mark: none Technical data: total length: 57 cm; height over ice: 4.5 cm; platforms: 30 cm long, 9 cm wide; runners: metal strip 28 mm wide, 0.5 mm thick; weight: 515 g |
|
 |
Fig.2:Snow
skates, around 1930 These snow skates look very much like ordinary ice skates. They have been made completely from wood and have been provided with a hollow bent metal strip (detail 2c). On the platforms is a profiled rubber layer. The binding is interesting as there are three holes in the platforms through which one leather lace of 1.75 m is lead. At the rear are two holes as to make it possible to make the skates suitable for smaller and bigger feet (detail 2d). The lace is brought in from the rear leaving a large loop that is used as heel strap. A toe strap is formed by making a knot in both lace ends at the front. The skates seem to be intended for women and/or children. Manufacturer: American Manufacturing Concern, Falconer (NY), USA Mark: Falcon Buddy Snow Skate, detail 1a en 1b Technical data: total length: 29 cm; height over snow: 3.5 cm; platforms: 23 cm long, 6 cm wide; runners: hollow bent metal strip 22 mm wide, 0.5 mm thick; weight: 200 g |
 |
Fig.3:
Snow skates, around 1930 Handy Things was an American metalworking company making all kind of domestic (kitchen) tools. The snow skates must have been a seasonal product. They have a clamping system for fastening them fore and aft by means of actuating just one handle (detail 3a). These skates are very sturdy which seems to be their greatest disadvantage as well: they are heavy as lead. Manufacturer: Handy Things Co., Ludington (Mich.), USA Mark: detail 3b technical data: total length: 27 cm; height over snow: 4.5 cm; platforms: 23 cm long, 6 cm wide; runners: 19 mm wide, 3 mm thick (detail 3c); weight: 565 g |
 |
Fig.4:
Snow skates, around 1950 These snow skates have been made in the well-known German skates factory of Hudora. Hudora specialized in wholly metal ice skates. The snow skates can be adjusted lengthwise by means of moving the rear piece. Straps can be lead through the rising pieces to fasten the skates to the boots (detail 4a en 4 b). Interesting is the cross strip at the front bottom that acts as a brake (detail 4c). Manufacturer: Hudora, Radevormwald (D) Mark: detail 4a Technical data: total length: 24 cm; Height over snow: 18 mm; platforms: 19-22 cm, 6 cm wide; runners: 4.5 cm wide, 1.5 mm thick; weight: 430 g |
 |
Fig.5: Snow skates, around 1950 Another pair of snow skates. It is likely that they were made in Germany as well. With these skates both the front and the rear part of the skates may be adjusted. Manufacturer: unknown Mark: none Technical data: total length: 32 cm, height over snow: 2.7 cm; platforms: 25-29 cm long, 7 cm wide; runners: 4.5 mm wide, 0.5 mm thick; weight: 475 g including straps |
detail 1a
detail 1b
detail 2a
detail 2b
detail 2c
detail 2d
detail 3a
detail 3b
detail 3c
detail 4a
detail 4b
detail 4c