Colorado Springs, Colorado, called the “world capital” of figure skating by some, hosted the 1965 World Figure Skating Championships in March at the famed Broadmoor World Arena on the grounds of The Broadmoor resort and hotel. Although the World Arena was demolished in 1994—and with it, the rich history that it represented to the sport—souvenirs of the 1965 Championships remain to help tell the stories of the past. Case in point: commemorative lapel pins.
In this post are several pins issued to commemorate the 1965 event. First is a finely crafted piece produced by the Balfour Badge Co. that probably was sold at the event and at The Broadmoor itself. Made of a gold-color metal with cloisonné fill, the pin is jewelry-like in quality and is considered by seasoned collectors to be the finest ever produced to commemorate a figure skating championship.
The design and composition of the pins reflect the modern and clean approach that was indicative of the era.
Next are four large and impressive cloisonné pins, the first three issued to individuals with a named role in the event—contestant (competitor), official, and guest—while the fourth, an unmarked version, is likely a prototype or an intentional blank reserved for an unnamed honored guest. The pins prominently feature an outline of the continental United States with a superimposed likeness of the main building at The Broadmoor. Stylized and colorful lettering denotes the year, event, and location. All pins would have been made in a highly limited number.
The design and composition of the pins reflect the modern and clean approach that was indicative of the era, appearing as fresh and relevant today as they did some 55 years ago. The 1969 World Championships and the 1975 World Championships are among the events the World Arena would host before meeting its end. Pins from those events, along with pins from the 1957 World Championships, also hosted at the World Arena, will be featured in future posts.
