These skates date from the mid-19th century and were designed to strap on to winter boots. To secure the boot to the base and blade, a large screw at the back screwed into the boot heel; three spikes towards the front kept it stable. Leather straps were then tied around the boot to further secure it. Modern ice skates, consisting of boots with built-in blades, were not invented until the late 1800s. We’re in the final days of the 2019 Holiday Tour, Holiday Exhibit and Candlelight Tours – check our website for tour times and availability.