1971 European Figure Skating Pins: Sense and Sensibility.

Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Netropolitan Museum

Hallmarks of Swiss aesthetics and practicality mark the Zurich pins

Zurich, Switzerland, on the shores of its namesake lake and known for its banking and cosmopolitan character, hosted Europe’s top figure skaters in the early 1970s as they vied to be the continent’s best in their chosen disciplines. The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins is pleased to present four lapel pins from the 1971 European Figure Skating Championships. These pins showcase precise design and quality craftsmanship, with thoughtful attention to visual balance and detail—hallmarks of Swiss aesthetics and practicality.

Pins Gallery: 1971 European Figure Skating Championships

Swiss design sense and sensibility are immediately evident in the main logo pin. Its highly graphical depiction of a female skater intertwined with the letter “E”—representing Europa or Europameisterschaften—emphasizes motion and elegance. The skater’s limbs and skate blades are dramatically stylized, while the clean, distinctive type below the logo spells out “Europameisterschaften Zurich 1971.” A discreet maker’s mark completes the design, signaling authenticity and attention to quality. The clear coating over the gold-tone metal preserves the pin’s appearance decades later, demonstrating the durability that collectors value in vintage pieces.

Also included in the collection are three special versions: those given to competitors, members of the jury (a judge), and members of the press. Each features a slightly modified version of the main logo pin that adds a suspension loop at the top, coupled with a decorative bar indicating the wearer’s role. A specially colored grosgrain ribbon secures the pieces together. The ribbons were not merely decorative; they signaled, in a clear and practical way, the status of the wearer while adding visual flair to the pins.

Should the European Figure Skating Championships ever return to Zurich, it is unlikely that a modern commemorative pin would meet the same level of design and material quality as those that mark the 1971 event. Most contemporary pins prioritize rapid production over the refined artistry seen in earlier pieces, making vintage pins like these particularly interesting for study and collection.

Enjoy the blend of design, history, and craftsmanship that the 1971 European Figure Skating Championships pins represent—they are a small, elegant slice of sporting history.

This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on June 26, 2021, and has been updated with new and expanded information.

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