Historical information

Medieaval and 17th century Dutch paintings show winterscapes with children from the Low Countries skating on skates of similar pattern.

Significance

The Dutch love of skating is exemplified by the fact that so many brought their skates with them to their new country.

Physical description

4649 (a) and (b)
Wooden upper, pointed at both ends; steel blade fastened with central rivet; leather ankle and toe straps. Front straps have eyelets through which very strong crossgrain strap was threaded to tie skate onto shoe, rear strap has hole either side to thread the strap through for tying under shoe instep and around top of shoe and around ankle.

Inscriptions & markings

R 21 (on right skate) 21 (on left skate)