Figure Skates Value Guide

These vintage figure skates represent a pinnacle of British engineering, featuring the prestigious Coro-Ace blade manufactured by John Wilson, a company with over 300 years of history. Dating from the 1970s to the 1990s, these skates are highly collectible due to their association with professional-grade precision and the evolution of competitive figure skating.

What Is Figure Skates Worth?

The typical price range for Figure Skates is $70 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the John Wilson blades, specifically the presence of rust, pitting, or remaining sharpening life.
• The integrity of the white leather boots, including the absence of deep scuffs, 'broken' ankles, or dry rotting.
• Completeness of the set, including original laces and the presence of protective blade guards.
• The specific production era, with earlier 1970s models often fetching higher prices from sports memorabilia collectors.

How to Identify Figure Skates?

• Look for the 'John Wilson' and 'Coro-Ace' engravings directly on the metal blade surface.
• Verify the 'Made in Sheffield, England' or 'United Kingdom' origin marks on the blade or leather sole.
• Check for high-quality leather construction with traditional lacing hooks and a reinforced plastic or wood-composite heel.
• Identify the specific cross-cut toe pick pattern characteristic of the Coro-Ace professional blade design.

History of Figure Skates

Figure skating has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, though it truly began to formalize in the 18th century. Early skates were made from bone, then wood and iron. The first all-metal skate was invented in 1848 by E. V. Bushnell of Philadelphia, revolutionizing the sport. The iconic figure eight pattern that gives the sport its name became a competitive element in the 19th century. John Wilson, whose Coro-Ace blade is seen here, is a renowned British manufacturer of ice skate blades with a legacy spanning over three centuries, known for their precision and quality in professional figure skating.