44097 Roller Skate Ornament Mouth-blown, hand-painted, glass Christmas ornament from Old World Christmas Includes Free Gift Box (may be a plain box) 3.5 X 3.25 X 1.75 (HxLxW) In the mid-1700s a Dutch-Belgian inventor removed the blade from ice skates and attached wheels, creating the first roller skate. The 4-wheel skate was created a century later to give the illusion of ice skating while performing on stage. Eventually roller skating evolved from a pastime to a competitive sport and leisure activity.