Figure Skating Pins Profile: 1985 World Championships

For just the second time in World Figure Skating Championships history, the event was held outside Europe or North America when it returned to Tokyo in 1985. The city once again welcomed competitors from around the globe to Yoyogi National Stadium for the early March event and once again welcomed them to the infamous “black ice” (although not nearly as dark as was seen at the 1977 event). Read the blog about the 1977 World Figure Skating Championships pins.

Like the predecessor 1977 competition, the 1985 World Championships brought with it figure skating pins that are both modern and well-produced. The main logo pin was so popular, in fact, that it sold out just a few days into the event. Collectors and attendees alike were disappointed, but the Japanese handled the sell-out situation beautifully and promptly. Within hours of the sell-out, an order form was made available at the souvenir stand so that anyone attending the championship could order a pin and be assured of having a souvenir to display on a coat lapel or a hat at future events. The second production of pins, identical to the originals, were mailed a few weeks later to those who ordered. 

The main logo pin issued for the 1985 World Figure Skating Championships was so popular, in fact, that it sold out just a couple of days into the event.

In the gallery today are two pins from the 1985 World Championships. First, the main logo pin available for purchase and a second pin produced in limited quantity and given to members of the press and possibly to officials, competitors, and others. The Curator of The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins received the press pin shown here, compliments of the event organizing committee, while covering the event for a skating magazine.

The pins are identical in design and size except for the enamel color used on the central figure. While the logo pin features the spiraling female figure skater in a pleasing medium blue, the press version is in a vibrant red. On a heavy silver-color base metal, the pin features shiny borders—a thicker one around the outer circumference and a thinner one set slightly to the inside—and a textured, contrasting background. Around the center of the pin are the event name, location, and year: “World Figure Skating Championships, Tokyo 1985 Japan.” Measuring approximately 1‑3/8″ in diameter (3.5‑cm), the pin came in a custom, foam-lined plastic case.

Enjoy this week’s figure skating pins blog: Black Ice in Tokyo, Part II. 1985.

Figure Skating Pins Gallery: 1985 World Championships

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