For sale is a vintage NORTH BAY WOMAN’S ICE FIGURE SKATES size 6 and original box. This pair of leather skates was sold by Shargold’s Sport Center, Reading PA. The sale includes the original receipt which was dated December 30, 1963. The pair of skates was purchased for $9.75. The skates have MERCURY FLYER tempered Sheffield Steel Blades which were made in great Britain. This gently used pair of skates is in excellent condition. A top notch sports equipment collectible.
The contemporary figure skate, which is the type best suited for general pleasure skating as well as for figure skating, is easily distinguished from other skates by the toe pick at the front of its blade. The development of refrigerated ice rinks started the transformation of ice skating from a seasonal pastime to a major sport and entertainment. In 1876, the first rink with artificially frozen ice, a private one, the Glaciarium, opened in London. In 1879, the first artificially frozen rink in the United States was installed in the old Madison Square Garden, New York City. The ability to create sheets of ice inside large arenas gave rise to both skating sports and ice shows, which became a popular family entertainment in the 20th century.
