Antique clamp-on ice skates, Long Reach Club, Royal model, Patent Date Feb. 7, 1888.  Size 11 1/2, made by the Keene Manufacturing Company in Torrington, Connecticut.  The skate design features unique clamping mechanism to simply and quickly fasten the skate securely to the boot.  The skate was designed by a Mr. Whelpley in about 1884 and was manufactured by the Keene Manufacturing company to about 1898 when the company was cloed and Mr. Whelpley left for elsewhere with his patents.  If he continued to use the Keene Manufacturing Company name and logo after that, it is possible that he moved the operations to Torrington, Connecticut to continue making these skates.  That is my assumption as I can not find further date on the company.  If that is the case these skates date after 1898 into the early 1900s.

In good condition overall and adjustment/clamping mechanisms functional.  There is some surface pitting, as shown in the pictures, but that is not unexpected.  It appears the former owner cleaned and polished the steel runnera and other metal surfaces.

NOTE:  Items are sold "as-is" and by nature have been previously used.  Condition assessment is our best effort and may not be comprehensive.  We welcome questions.