Wooden Strand Ski Company Skis. Dark stained wood with 4 Lines engraved down centre of skis, no bindings, just rubber foot pad and no leather straps that would have held the boots in place. Believed to have been made in the 1920s.
These skis are in good vintage condition and are amazingly long! The brand is still visible which is a key factor when buying original vintage skis instead of reproductions.
The Strand Ski Company, started in 1896, was the first ski factory in the USA. They also manufactured toboggans and canoe paddles.
Martin A. Strand, the company's founder, began manufacturing skis believing he could capitalise on the new ski clubs that were beginning to form in Red Wing, Minnesota and Ishpeming, Michigan. He modelled his skis after the popular Norwegian Telemark ski as did most ski manufacturing companies of the period. Strand's skis were carved from a single piece of wood and had wooden edges and bottoms that required wax to prevent snow from sticking. Later models included skis specifically designed for jumping and cross-country racing.
Martin Strand started making skis in the basement of his home in Minneapolis, MN in 1896. He continued to make skis, while he worked as a surveyor and insurance salesman. In 1904, he partnered with business associate Frederick Youngquist and they formed the Strand-Youngquist Manufacturing Company, at which, they made skis, boat oars, and toboggans. Their business partnership disolved in about 1907, but Strand continued to make skis.
Strand Ski Manufacturing company was victim to two devastating fires in 1910 in Minneapolis, MN, forcing Strand to find a new location. In July of 1911, Strand started manufacturing skis again in New Richmond, WI. He supplied skis to Army troops during World War II, but demand dropped after the war and Strand Ski Manufacturing was bankrupt by 1948.
Thanks to www.woodenskis.com for archival information on the Strand Ski Company.
*This item is a "Local Pick Up" only product due to its size and weight. Australia Post will not post items over 120 cm in length.
**Please be aware at check out you will be directed to an email, to find out if you wish to pick up or have the skis couriered to your address. This allows me to quote on the freight cost for the skis to be couriered to you in addition in the cost of the skis if Local Pick Up is no possible. Not_For_Sporting_Use Disclaimer: Please note this item is sold as a decorative item only. It is not sold for sporting use. Every effort has been made to accurately describe this product.
