In-line roller skates

In-line roller skates may seem to be a recent phenomenon, but they date back to 1716. All roller skates were in-line skates until James Plimpton introduced the quad skates in 1863, the more familiar style of skates with two wheels on each side of the boot. With the new quad skates, roller skating became more popular because the skates were easier to control. In-line skating made a resurgence in the mid-1990s, although many thought it was a new trend. Unlike modern in-line skates, these skates from the 1850s have metal platforms with wooden wheels and leather straps.

Object Title and Accession Number

In-line roller skates. Made by Williams, Morse and Co., ca. 1850. X01287.