Antique Adjustable Roller Skates No. 130 / Union Hardware Co. (USA, early 20th century)

Roller Skates that Adorned the Feet of American Classics,
Evoking a Nostalgic Breeze

Product Description:
These are antique adjustable roller skates manufactured by the Union Hardware Company in Torrington, Connecticut. The engravings "MFD BY UNION HARDWARE COMPANY," "TORRINGTON CONN U.S.A.," and "No.130" confirm that this is a genuine original item from that era. Designed to be attached to shoes, the metal body features a sliding mechanism for size adjustment, with a scale from 20 to 50 engraved on the bottom. The wheels also bear the manufacturer's engraving, and the rollers still spin smoothly. With a rugged, industrial aesthetic, this item is also a symbol of the play of children and young people at the time. Recommended for collection, display, or as an accent in vintage interiors. (R070054)

Specifications:
・Country of Manufacture: USA
・Manufacturer: Union Hardware Company (Torrington, Connecticut)
・Model Number: No.130
・Material: Steel
・Overall Length: Approx. 25cm (adjustable)
・Wheel Diameter: Approx. 4.5cm
・Engravings: "MFD BY UNION HARDWARE COMPANY," "TORRINGTON CONN U.S.A.," "No.130"; wheels also engraved with "TORRINGTON CONN U.S.A." and "HARDWARE CO"
・Features: Extendable size adjustment mechanism, engraved slide scale, shoe-mounted type

Highlights:
・Authentic American antique with clear engravings
・Highly popular among collectors as the adjustable "No.130" model
・Excellent condition with smoothly rotating wheels
・Appealing as a rugged, industrial display item
・Historical value, telling the story of sports culture and play from that era

Special Note:
The first roller skates were invented by Joseph Merlin of Belgium in the 1760s. However, they were not very practical and did not become widespread. After the 1860s, the "quad" design (two wheels front, two wheels back) was established, and skate halls and rinks were built in Europe and America. Around 1900, metal skates that attached to shoes and were tied with laces were mass-produced and sold at affordable prices. Photographs from that time often show children engrossed in playing with them in the streets and parks. From around 1940, more colorful and safer models appeared, regaining popularity as post-war entertainment. From the late 1970s, there was a second major boom, with "roller disco" becoming popular, tied to disco culture. Colorful plastic models and shoe-integrated types emerged.

*Based on AI research.