Tennis racquet
Slazengers Ltd
Category
Sports equipment, games and pastimes
Date
circa 1920 - circa 1939
Materials
Wood and catgut
Measurements
Racquet - 693 mm (length), Press - 270 mm (length)
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 665730
Summary
An early 20th century 'Slazenger' wooden tennis racquet held in a wooden press. The press is made from two sets of four pieces of wood formed into frames which are connected by wingnuts, one of which is hinged. The racquet is varnished with the lower part of the head painted white. The head is strung with catgut strings which are re-enforced with green coloured string bound around the base of the head. The handle is carved with fine wooden grooves to make a grip and the end is covered with a leather cap. A peeling leather label on the end of the handle reads 'When Not In Use Must Be Kept In A Press' On one side of the racquet, under the head, is a green transfer badge with a stylised Fleur-de-lys in gold and 'Cheltenham' written in white. Total number of items is 2.
Marks and inscriptions
On the bottom of the front frame of the press: '[]/[]/[LONDON.E.C.]' On the top of the front frame of the press: 'J.[D] Webber's/PATENT/[No] [6201]' On the side of the handle above the grip: 'SLAZENGERS Ltd' On the side of the handle on the grip: '13 1/2' On the side of the handle above the grip: 'LAURENCE ROONTNEY HILL/LONDON. E.C.4.'
Makers and roles
Slazengers Ltd, maker