Description: These wonderful antique steel roller skates have patent dates starting on April 8, 1873 up through March 20, 1888 (see closeup photo), were made by Barney & Berry Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. Inventor Everett H Barney began manufacturing ice skates in 1864. According to some sources, he invented the metal clamp-on skate (as these are), a product that was the mainstay of the business. They also made roller skates like this great old pair, and signal cannons for yachts. Barney and Berry Company was acquired by Winchester, in 1919. These skates are Size 11 and they are adjustable by keys that are built in on the heel end of the skates. I see no damage although they may be 136 years old! The wooden wheels are undamaged and show no wear. Please see all the photos and ask me for more if you would like to see different areas of the skates. E.H. Barney was a well-known figure around Springfield, Mass. He was himself an accomplished skater, and he was often seen near his Forest Park home, skating on the Connecticut River and a skating pond he built in the park. Unfortunately Barney was judged insane in 1913, and died in 1916. He left the bulk of his assets to the city of Springfield, with directions that his property was to be added to Forest Park. The Barney skating pond still exists and is open for skating. But it wasn't until he teamed with his business partner to form the Barney and Berry Company that Everett Barney became rich and famous. In 1864, Barney took out a patent on clip-on ice skates, the first person to do so. He teamed up with a business partner, John Berry, whom he knew from work in Boston, to form the Barney and Berry Company, which began producing the ice skates that same year by leasing machinery from a gun factory, The steel for the blades was produced in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, while the sheet steel for the tops was imported from England. The company built a factory at the mouth of the Mill River in the South End of Springfield, Massachusetts in 1866; during its time in operation, it was a primary provider of jobs for Springfield workers. In 1869, Barney bought Berry's share of the company, but retained the company's original name. In 1872, a factory was built on Broad Street. In 1868 Barney invented and patented a perforation machine for banks. His other inventions included the breech-loading shotgun, which was an improvement of the carbine, the saluting cannon for installation on boat decks, and a "life-saving sled" that could be used on ice and water.I will ship the skates via USPS Ground Advantage securely packaged in a sturdy carton; shipping weight is 4 lbs.
Price: 65 USD
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan
End Time: 2024-11-15T15:51:54.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Barney & Berry
Year: 1888
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Vintage: Yes
