Last Updated on June 29, 2024 by Netropolitan Museum
12th edition of the annual Skate Canada event featured a hit-and-miss lapel pin
In the 1980s, not one but two lapel pins from a Skate Canada event featured failed attempts at calligraphy. The 1985 Skate Canada pin, featured in this blog, is one of those two, with letters and numerals that are uneven in size and form, crowded and inconsistently spaced, and off-axis like a poorly executed compulsory figure. There is just no two ways about it: the lettering is bad. And that’s unfortunate for a high-caliber event like Skate Canada. The 1983 Skate Canada event pin also features similarly failed lettering, landing it in the wonky category as well.
Pin Gallery: 1985 Skate Canada
It’s purely conjecture, but the letters and numerals perhaps were reproduced from artwork originally created by an individual with no understanding of either calligraphy or typography. Contrary to many peoples’ belief, a calligraphic pen does not a skilled artist make. On the more positive side, the unusual shape of the 1985 Skate Canada pin helps to set it apart from others. The pin is on a gold-colored base metal with white and red enamel fills.
1985 SKATE CANADA – LOGO PIN
Size
Approximately 1-3/8″ x 1-1/8″ (3.5 cm x 2.9 cm)
Value
$5 to $10, depending on condition
At the center of the pin, in red and stretching into the upper rounded portion, is the familiar Skate Canada logo, although slightly redrawn here and portions repositioned from prior years’ versions. Just below the logo, in gold, are the event name, year, and location: “Skate Canada ’85 London, Ontario.” Tucked into the outstretched arm and leg of the logo is a small maple leaf in gold. This Skate Canada event, unlike others before it, does not appear to have issued a larger or specially marked version of the pin, which was typically produced for officials and competitors.
This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on September 25, 2021, and has been updated with new and expanded information.
The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins Story
Be sure to read the museum story for more information about the sport’s pins. If you have a question or have figure skating pins to sell, contact The Netropolitan.
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