A. Valkonen was a Finnish ski maker who had a factory in Jyväskylä ("you-vaskalah" is close enough) in the province of Central Finland, which really isn't in the center of the country, but whatever. Harju means "ridge" in Finland, which is about as close as you come to a mountain in the southern part of the country. But a ridge is plenty for a cross-country ski trail.
At any rate, these skis are likely from the last generation of Harju wood skis. The company folded in the 1980s after failing (or deciding not) to make the transition to fiberglass construction. So we reckon they date from the 1970s. Harju exported skis to the USA in the 1960s and 1970s, likely because a Finnish immigrant in the US had some connection to the brand. These weren't purchased in 'murca, but actually from a seller in Finland, near Salo on the southern coast.
Almost as wide as narrow alpine skis, these boards will keep all but the most tipsy skiers upright. Not much needed to be done to make them ready for sale other than a bit of Turtle wax on the tops and a cleaning on the bottoms. So slap on some hardwax and have a go!! But make sure that wax is from Suomi!!! (Rex, Start, Vauhti, etc)
Conveniently, 4-pin Karhu "Kisa" (race) bindings are already mounted to the skis. "Retki" roughly translates to the skis' being intended for off-trail or loosely tracked conditions.
Size: 200cm Camber: soft (3-6m at ski center) Weight (pair): 2697gm w/ bindings Width at center: 65mm Mfg date: 1970s Base: birch or hickory. I think it's birch, but don't trust me because I thought Harris would win
