Collection of tennis rackets 1870

Eventail

c. 1910

Maker unknown

Extra long at 28" & unusual offset double centre mains. Fantail or Swallowtail handle.

Phoenix

c. 1910

S & B

A French racket in superb condition with extraordinary diagonal stringing. Typical of the many patterns patented by Curt B Mueller of Cleveland Ohio in 1910.

Realm

c. 1910

Jacques & Son Ltd

A fine example of English gut red & white stringing with double centre mains.

Dorothy Lambert Chambers Autograph

c. 1912

Slazenger's Ltd

Early example of Wimbledon champion endorsement of racket production. Dorothy Lambert Chambers nee Douglas won Wimbledon singles title 7 times between 1903 and 1914.

Eclipse

c. 1912

Slazenger & Sons Ltd.

Convex wedge, shoulder strapping and almost unused with perfect red and white gut double main strings. Patent number 13799 refers to the method of stringing. New in 1912 as stated in Slazengers catalogue.

The Demon

c. 1913

Slazengers Ltd

Special Demon version with gold 'Slazengers Ltd' signature embossed below the 'Demon' logo. Note fishtail handle, convex wedge. Non original stringing.

c. 1914

Slazengers Ltd

Usual red and white gut stringing, double mains and shoulder strapping. Retailed through R E Pringle? Sports Ltd, 160 Piccadilly, London

Model unknown

c. 1915

T H Prosser & Sons

Prossers were established in 1857 and at first manufactured Real tennis racquets & racquets before moving into the ever popular game of lawn tennis in the 1870s.

Driver

c. 1920

Slazenger & Sons Ltd

Note convex wedge to the throat with transfer printed model 'DRIVER' also reinforced double mains and cross strings. Frame reinforced near the throat with cord binding.

Ubique

c. 1920

Maker unknown

Fishtail handle

Holden model

c. 1914

Established c. 1883 in St John"s Wood Road, London and later Baker Street. In 1887 Holden made rackets for renowned Wimbledon champion Ernest Renshaw.

"Service"

c. 1912

Spalding

Made by A G Spalding & Bros, Putney, London. Note the unusual "butterfly" shaped butt end. Racket is also stamped with patent number 4865 of 27.2.1904. See patent sheet picture in the background. This related to a throat/wedge strengthening device which in this later model is concealed under the wedge of the racket.

Wicker cane/bamboo racket

c. 19th century

Racket dates to late 19th century style. Found in USA but most probably originates from Japan where Bamboo was readily available in preference to the normal ash rackets of Europe.

"Handicap"

c. 1888-1900

F H Ayres

"Picador"

c. 1920

F H Ayres

A rare fishtailed handled racket from F H Ayres which does not appear to be listed - if anyone has information it would be gratefully received.