Unusual 1862 American Parlor Skate Broadside Roller Ice Skates Civil War Era

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Unusual 1862 American Parlor Skate Broadside Roller Ice Skates Civil War Era:
$750.00

1862 "The American Parlor Skate" Civil War Era Broadside

Offered here is an exceptionally rare and historically important original March 1862 advertising broadside for "The American Parlor Skate", one of the earliest forms of roller skates produced in the United States.

Issued during the height of the American Civil War, this remarkable piece advertises the use of solid vulcanized rubber rollers for parlor or floor skates—an important innovation in early skating history.

The broadside features beautifully engraved illustrations of an early roller skate, cast steel frame ice skates, and related sporting equipment. It also promotes Patent Cast Steel Frame Skates and lists offices in both New York City (215 Pearl Street) and Boston (68 Kilby Street).

Advertising ephemera documenting the infancy of roller skating is exceedingly scarce, particularly examples dated as early as 1862. This piece predates the great roller skating craze of the late nineteenth century by decades and represents a fascinating chapter in American sporting history.

Historical Highlights

Dated: March 1862
Era: Civil War
Subject: Early roller and ice skates
Technology: Solid vulcanized rubber rollers
Publisher: Frederick Stevens
Locations: New York and Boston
Features: Multiple engraved skate illustrations

The broadside additionally advertises leather sporting goods including knife sheaths, sailors' belts, pistol holsters, dog collars, cartridge boxes, military equipment, and straps for ladies' and gentlemen's skates—offering a rare glimpse into mid-19th century American commerce.

Condition

Original antique condition with fold lines, age toning, handling wear, and minor edge wear expected from a surviving paper artifact more than 160 years old. A small loss is present at the upper right edge. The broadside remains highly displayable and visually striking.

An outstanding acquisition for collectors of roller skating history, Civil War ephemera, Victorian advertising, sporting antiques, Boston history, and early American industrial design.

Ships carefully packed flat with archival backing and tracking.