Vintage Bones Brigade Skate Decks: Collectible Classics!

These are skateboard platforms produced during the 1980s, prominently associated with the Powell Peralta skateboarding team. Often constructed from laminated maple wood, these components provided the foundation for performing tricks and navigating various terrains.

The significance of these items lies in their contribution to skateboarding culture and technological advancement. They represent a period of innovation in design and materials, impacting the evolution of the sport and inspiring subsequent generations of skateboarders. The graphics adorning them frequently featured iconic artwork and became highly collectible, contributing to their enduring legacy.

The following sections will delve into specific aspects of these platforms, examining their construction, artistic merit, and lasting influence on the skateboarding world. These areas will provide a more granular understanding of their place in history.

Tips Regarding Skateboard Platforms from the 1980s

Considerations for collectors and enthusiasts regarding these artifacts from skateboarding history require careful attention to detail and an understanding of their inherent value and fragility.

Tip 1: Authentication is Paramount: Verify the authenticity of the board through examination of the manufacturer’s markings, signature decals (if applicable), and construction techniques consistent with the era of production. Consult with established collectors or skateboarding historians to validate authenticity.

Tip 2: Assess Condition Rigorously: Evaluate the board’s condition, noting any signs of wear, damage, or modification. Cracks, delamination, and significant graphic degradation will impact value. Original components, such as grip tape and trucks (if included), contribute positively to the assessment.

Tip 3: Preserve Originality: Avoid restoring or altering the board, as this typically diminishes its collectibility and historical significance. Preserve the item in its original state, addressing only essential preservation needs.

Tip 4: Implement Proper Storage: Store these vintage items in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use archival-quality materials for wrapping and support to prevent degradation over time. Wall-mounted displays can offer protection with UV-filtering materials.

Tip 5: Research Market Value: Before buying or selling these skateboards, research current market values using established online auction platforms and collector resources. Consider professional appraisals from reputable specialists.

Tip 6: Understand Production Variations: Be aware of different production runs and variations in graphics or colorways. Limited edition or rare versions will command higher prices. Detailed research on specific models is crucial.

Tip 7: Document Provenance: Maintaining a record of the board’s history, including previous owners or significant events, can enhance its value and desirability to collectors. Original purchase receipts or documented anecdotes add credibility.

Adhering to these principles will assist in appreciating and maintaining these skateboarding artifacts, maximizing their value and preserving their place in the sport’s heritage.

The subsequent sections will explore the collectibility of these items and their enduring appeal within the broader context of skateboarding culture.

1. Iconic Graphics

The graphic designs emblazoned upon these skateboard platforms are inextricably linked to their historical and cultural significance. They served not merely as aesthetic adornments, but as visual representations of an era, a team, and a burgeoning subculture. Their influence extends beyond the skateboarding community, impacting graphic design trends and artistic expression.

• Vernon Courtland Johnson’s Influence

  The artistry of Vernon Courtland Johnson (VCJ) defined much of the visual language associated with these decks. His skeletal figures, often rendered with a blend of humor and macabre sensibility, became synonymous with the brand and the era. Examples include the Ripper graphic, arguably one of the most recognizable images in skateboarding history. VCJ’s work not only provided brand identity but also reflected the rebellious spirit of skateboarding.

• Team Rider Personalization

  Each team rider often had a signature graphic or colorway associated with their name and riding style. This personalization fostered a sense of connection between the consumer and the athlete. Lance Mountain’s Future Primitive deck, for example, showcased his artistic sensibilities and individual brand. This approach allowed riders to express their personalities, further fueling the desirability and collectibility of their boards.

• Cultural Reflection

  The graphics often mirrored the broader cultural landscape of the 1980s, incorporating elements of punk rock, comic book art, and pop culture references. This integration helped to solidify skateboarding’s position within the youth culture movement. The imagery tapped into the anxieties and aspirations of the time, resonating with a generation seeking alternative forms of expression.

• Enduring Legacy and Collectibility

  The iconic graphics contribute substantially to the collectibility of these skateboard platforms. The scarcity of certain designs and the nostalgia associated with them drive up their value in the collector’s market. The visual identity created during this period has proven to be enduring, with modern reissues and reinterpretations of the classic graphics demonstrating their lasting appeal.

The graphic elements of these decks represent more than mere decoration; they encapsulate a moment in time, a culture, and a collaborative effort between artists, athletes, and a pioneering skateboarding company. These visual markers cemented the decks’ place in history and continue to resonate with skateboarders and collectors alike.

2. Powell Peralta

Powell Peralta represents the formative entity behind the production and popularization of these skateboard platforms, playing a crucial role in shaping skateboarding culture during the 1980s. Understanding the company’s structure and strategic decisions illuminates the success and enduring impact of its products.

• Company Structure and Innovation

  Powell Peralta, founded by George Powell and Stacy Peralta, combined Powell’s expertise in skateboard manufacturing with Peralta’s insights into skateboarding talent and marketing. This partnership fostered innovation in board design, incorporating new materials and shapes to improve performance. The company also pioneered the use of video to promote skateboarding, further enhancing brand visibility.

• The Bones Brigade Team

  The formation of the Bones Brigade, a team of exceptionally talented skateboarders including Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Rodney Mullen, was central to Powell Peralta’s marketing strategy. These riders not only endorsed the product but also influenced its design and performance characteristics. Their prominence and innovative skateboarding styles attracted a wide audience to the brand.

• Marketing and Promotion

  Powell Peralta implemented a multifaceted marketing approach that included high-quality skateboarding videos, print advertisements, and grassroots promotions at skateboarding events. The videos, such as “The Search for Animal Chin,” became iconic within skateboarding culture, showcasing the team’s skills and the company’s products. This comprehensive marketing strategy solidified the brand’s position as a leader in the industry.

• Product Development and Design

  Powell Peralta’s focus on product development ensured that their skateboard platforms met the evolving demands of skateboarders. The company experimented with different materials and shapes to enhance performance, resulting in boards that were both durable and responsive. The iconic graphics, often designed by Vernon Courtland Johnson, contributed to the boards’ visual appeal and collectibility.

The convergence of innovative product design, strategic marketing, and the influence of the Bones Brigade team propelled Powell Peralta to the forefront of the skateboarding industry. The resulting skateboard platforms became synonymous with quality and performance, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate within skateboarding culture.

3. Maple Construction

The utilization of maple wood in the construction of these skateboarding platforms represents a critical factor in their durability, performance, and overall legacy. The material’s inherent properties directly influenced the boards’ responsiveness and longevity, contributing significantly to their adoption and continued relevance within the skateboarding community.

• Lamination Process

  Maple veneers are layered and bonded together using adhesives under high pressure. This lamination process creates a composite structure that distributes stress evenly, preventing cracking and warping. The number and thickness of the plies affect the board’s stiffness and flex. Early era boards often featured 7-ply construction, providing a balance between strength and board feel.

• Wood Grain Orientation

  The orientation of the wood grain within each ply is strategically aligned to maximize strength and torsional rigidity. Cross-grain layering resists bending and twisting forces encountered during skateboarding maneuvers. Specific attention to grain direction contributes to the board’s responsiveness and predictable handling characteristics.

• Hard Rock Maple Species

  Hard rock maple, specifically Acer saccharum, is preferred due to its high density, fine grain, and resistance to impact. This species provides the necessary stiffness and durability to withstand the stresses of skateboarding. The wood’s inherent resilience allows the boards to retain their shape and structural integrity over extended use.

• Impact on Performance

  The characteristics of maple construction directly influence the skateboard’s pop, flex, and overall feel. A stiffer board, achieved through specific maple selection and lamination techniques, provides greater pop for ollies and other aerial tricks. The flex characteristics influence the board’s responsiveness during carving and transition maneuvers.

The selection and processing of maple wood were instrumental in creating skateboarding platforms that met the demands of both amateur and professional skateboarders during the 1980s. This construction method established a benchmark for board durability and performance, influencing subsequent designs and material choices within the skateboarding industry.

4. 1980s Era

The 1980s represent a pivotal period in skateboarding history, inextricably linked with the rise of the Bones Brigade and the associated skateboard platforms. This decade saw skateboarding transition from a fringe activity to a globally recognized sport and cultural phenomenon. The innovations, trends, and cultural shifts of the 1980s profoundly shaped the characteristics and legacy of these decks.

• Technological Advancements in Manufacturing

  The 1980s witnessed advancements in skateboard manufacturing techniques, allowing for more consistent and durable board construction. Improved lamination processes, coupled with the availability of higher-quality maple wood, resulted in decks that could withstand the increasingly demanding tricks and maneuvers of the era. This enhanced durability enabled skaters to push the boundaries of the sport, further fueling its popularity.

• The Rise of Skateboarding Videos

  The proliferation of VHS technology during the 1980s facilitated the creation and distribution of skateboarding videos. Powell Peralta capitalized on this trend, producing iconic videos such as “The Search for Animal Chin,” which showcased the talents of the Bones Brigade and popularized their signature decks. These videos not only entertained but also served as instructional tools, inspiring a new generation of skaters and driving sales of associated products.

• Shifting Cultural Landscape

  The 1980s saw the emergence of a distinct youth culture characterized by individualism, rebellion, and a rejection of mainstream norms. Skateboarding became a powerful expression of this counter-cultural sentiment, providing an outlet for creativity and self-expression. The graphics and designs on the Bones Brigade decks reflected this cultural landscape, incorporating elements of punk rock, new wave, and pop art. They were symbols of belonging and identity within the skateboarding community.

• Commercialization of Skateboarding

  The 1980s marked the beginning of skateboarding’s commercialization, with the establishment of major skateboarding companies and the development of a robust retail market. Powell Peralta was at the forefront of this trend, establishing a strong brand identity and distribution network. The increased availability of skateboarding equipment, coupled with the growing popularity of the sport, led to a surge in participation and further solidified the Bones Brigade decks’ place in skateboarding history.

The 1980s provided the ideal environment for the Bones Brigade and their associated skateboard platforms to flourish. The technological advancements, cultural shifts, and commercialization of the sport all contributed to their success and enduring legacy. The era remains a defining period in skateboarding history, forever linked to the innovations and iconic status of these decks.

5. Team Innovation

The connection between team innovation and Bones Brigade skate decks is intrinsic, representing a symbiotic relationship that propelled both to prominence during the 1980s. The Bones Brigade, a group of exceptionally skilled skateboarders sponsored by Powell Peralta, served as a critical catalyst for innovation in deck design and skateboarding techniques. Their collective talent and influence directly shaped the evolution of the sport and the development of the products that bore their association.

The skaters’ diverse riding styles and demands spurred the company to experiment with different deck shapes, sizes, and construction methods. For instance, Rodney Mullen’s innovative flatland tricks necessitated a deck that offered increased maneuverability and control, leading to the development of shorter and lighter boards. Similarly, Tony Hawk’s vert skating required decks with greater stability and pop, influencing the design of wider and more durable platforms. These innovations were not solely driven by engineers or designers; they were a direct response to the needs and feedback of the team riders. The result was a series of decks that catered to a broad range of skateboarding disciplines, establishing the brand as a leader in product design and innovation. The team’s input also extended to graphic design, with many riders having input on their signature board graphics, further solidifying the connection between rider and product.

The team’s influence extended beyond product development; their pioneering skateboarding styles and techniques, showcased in Powell Peralta’s influential videos, set new standards for the sport. The decks became synonymous with this groundbreaking style, further reinforcing their desirability and cementing their place in skateboarding history. Understanding this connection between team innovation and deck design is crucial for appreciating the significance of Bones Brigade skate decks. It highlights how the collaboration between talented athletes and a forward-thinking company can drive innovation and shape the course of an entire industry. This collaboration ensured the decks were not mere commodities, but integral tools in the progression of skateboarding.

6. Collectible Value

The enduring appeal of these skateboard platforms has translated into significant collectible value within the vintage skateboarding market. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including the historical importance of the brand, the rarity of specific models, the condition of the decks, and the presence of iconic graphics or team rider associations. This value is not merely sentimental; it represents a tangible asset class within a niche market.

Specific examples illustrate the market dynamics. Decks featuring graphics by Vernon Courtland Johnson, such as the Ripper or Skull and Sword, frequently command higher prices than more common models. Decks signed by members of the Bones Brigade, particularly those in pristine condition, can fetch significant sums at auction or through private sales. Limited edition releases or those associated with specific skateboarding events also contribute to the valuation. The practical significance of this understanding lies in the ability to assess the potential investment value of such items and to navigate the collector’s market effectively.

Challenges in assessing collectible value include determining authenticity, evaluating condition accurately, and tracking market trends. Despite these challenges, the investment potential for these skateboards remains strong. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for both collectors and investors seeking to engage with this market, ensuring informed decisions and the preservation of skateboarding history.

7. Skateboarding Culture

The evolution of skateboarding culture is inextricably linked to the emergence and influence of specific products, including Bones Brigade skate decks. These decks represent more than mere equipment; they embody a period of innovation, artistic expression, and community formation that defined skateboarding during the 1980s and beyond. Their impact continues to resonate within the sport and its surrounding culture.

• Visual Identity and Expression

  Skateboarding culture embraces individualism and self-expression, often manifested through visual mediums. Bones Brigade decks, adorned with iconic graphics by artists like Vernon Courtland Johnson, provided a canvas for this expression. These graphics not only identified the decks but also became symbols of belonging and shared identity within the skateboarding community. The imagery often reflected the counter-cultural sentiments and artistic trends of the era, solidifying the decks’ position as cultural artifacts.

• Community Formation and Identity

  Skateboarding fosters a sense of community through shared experiences and collective identity. The Bones Brigade team, sponsored by Powell Peralta, became cultural icons, embodying the values and aspirations of skateboarders worldwide. Owning a Bones Brigade deck signified alignment with this community and signaled participation in a shared subculture. The decks served as a tangible connection to the team and their innovative skateboarding style, reinforcing community bonds.

• Innovation and Progression

  Skateboarding culture embraces innovation and the constant pursuit of progression. Bones Brigade decks, developed in response to the evolving needs of skateboarders, played a significant role in facilitating this progression. Their construction, shape, and design were informed by the feedback of team riders, resulting in decks that enabled new tricks and techniques. The association with innovation contributed to the decks’ desirability and cemented their legacy within the sport.

• Historical Significance and Nostalgia

  Skateboarding culture values its history and recognizes the contributions of pioneers and influential figures. Bones Brigade decks represent a pivotal moment in skateboarding history, embodying the spirit and innovation of the 1980s. They evoke nostalgia for a bygone era and serve as a reminder of the sport’s evolution. Their collectibility and enduring appeal are testaments to their historical significance and their continued relevance within skateboarding culture.

The facets of visual expression, community identity, innovation, and historical significance illustrate the profound connection between skateboarding culture and Bones Brigade skate decks. These decks are not merely products; they are cultural symbols that encapsulate the values, aspirations, and history of skateboarding. Their influence continues to shape the sport and its surrounding culture, ensuring their place in skateboarding lore.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following addresses prevalent inquiries regarding Bones Brigade skate decks, providing clarity on their historical significance, collectibility, and technical specifications.

Question 1: What distinguishes Bones Brigade skate decks from contemporary alternatives?

Distinguishing characteristics include graphics produced by Vernon Courtland Johnson, association with the Powell Peralta skateboarding team, and construction techniques prevalent during the 1980s. These factors contribute to their historical significance and collectibility, unlike modern decks produced with different materials and designs.

Question 2: How can the authenticity of a Bones Brigade skate deck be verified?

Authenticity verification involves examining the manufacturer’s markings, scrutinizing the graphic details for consistency with original designs, and assessing construction techniques characteristic of the era. Consulting with established collectors or skateboarding historians can also assist in confirming authenticity.

Question 3: What factors influence the collectible value of these items?

Factors influencing collectible value include the rarity of the specific model, the condition of the deck (especially the graphic), the presence of signatures from Bones Brigade team members, and the historical significance associated with the particular deck. Decks in pristine condition with iconic graphics command higher prices.

Question 4: What are the recommended storage conditions for preserving these skateboards?

Recommended storage conditions involve maintaining a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use archival-quality materials for wrapping and support to prevent degradation. Avoid storing these skateboards in areas prone to temperature fluctuations.

Question 5: Were all Bones Brigade skate decks manufactured by Powell Peralta?

Yes, the platforms were primarily manufactured by Powell Peralta. While other skateboard companies existed during the 1980s, the association with Powell Peralta and the Bones Brigade team remains a defining characteristic of these specific collectibles.

Question 6: What impact did these platforms have on the evolution of skateboarding?

The platforms played a pivotal role in shaping skateboarding culture, design, and performance. Their association with the Bones Brigade team, coupled with innovative graphics and construction techniques, influenced subsequent generations of skateboarders and contributed to the sport’s commercialization and global recognition.

In summary, understanding the historical context, authentication methods, and preservation techniques is crucial for appreciating and maintaining these artifacts of skateboarding history.

The subsequent section will analyze the continued demand for these items in contemporary culture.

Conclusion

The preceding exploration has illuminated the multifaceted significance of Bones Brigade skate decks. These platforms represent more than mere sporting equipment; they embody a confluence of design innovation, cultural influence, and athletic achievement. Their association with a pivotal era in skateboarding history, coupled with their artistic merit and collectibility, cements their lasting legacy.

As artifacts of a formative period in skateboarding’s evolution, these decks warrant continued study and preservation. Their enduring appeal serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and the enduring influence of cultural icons. Further research into their production methods, artistic influences, and cultural impact will undoubtedly yield additional insights into their significance and solidify their position within the annals of skateboarding history.