RARE – original pair of Civil War era Ice skates, dated “1860”

Being offered is an original pair of mid-19^th century ice skates. They both have the original leather straps and buckles for attachment. The overall measurement is 11 ½” and they are both marked “PATENTED / FEB. 20. 1855 / SEP. 2. 1858 / REISSUE FEB. 7. 1860”. I have a pair of ice skates in my collection which are dated 1862, but this is the earliest date I have seen so far.

During the Civil War, it was a common practice to stop fighting in the cold winter months to set up camps.  Soldiers wrote home about having large scale snowball fights, sledding and even ice skating. They would ask for heavier clothing, food, socks, etc., some even asked for ice skates.  I have an ice skate blade in my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, which was recovered in a Union Winter camp in Stafford, Virginia.

These skates are tight and in very nice condition, with the markings still visible. This is just something you never see, and it wouldn’t surprise me if a Civil War museum obtained them for their collection.

Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation of a collection.   Bob