Lot #59: Lot of 3 Antique Wooden Tennis Racquets w/ Canvas Covers - Spalding Nationalist B, Wisdens, Winchester

1. Spalding Nationalist B (Left Racket): The throat section features distinct gold lettering reading "SPALDING NATIONALIST B" flanked by decorative wire wraps. Spalding was one of the premier athletic equipment manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Nationalist line dates back to the early era of wood tennis manufacturing (typically the 1910s to 1920s). It features an old-style octagonal, un-wrapped bare wood handle with a plain leather or fabric butt cap trim nailed directly into the base. 2. Winchester "Win Factor" / Cup Series (Middle Racket): The handle features a bold, gold-and-red script decal reading "WINCHESTER" with a smaller "Made in U.S.A." or "Made in Japan" sub-text underneath. Best known for firearms, Winchester operated a highly successful sporting goods line during the 1920s and 1930s. This racket deviates from the others by featuring a sleek, dark black frame and a distinct grooved, dark wood handle rather than a smooth octagonal grip. 3. Wisdens Royal (Right Racket): The throat features a gorgeous gold leaf royal coat of arms decal alongside elegant cursive script reading "Wisdens Royal". The butt cap features a round paper emblem under a transparent coating that instructs: "When not in use, always keep in a press. Wisden & Co. London". Produced by John Wisden & Co. based out of London, England—a legendary name in historic sports publishing (Wisden Cricketers' Almanack) and vintage British sports gear. This is a classic British-made export racquet likely dating between the 1920s and 1940s. The strings have completely warped and degraded over time, which is very common for original natural gut or early silk strings. - The collection shows an authentic, aged patina with the Spalding and Winchester frames remaining structurally intact despite expected surface scuffing and finish wear. The Wisdens Royal racket exhibits significant string degradation with completely warped and broken webbing, though its gold throat decal and London butt-cap emblem remain beautifully preserved. All three items show heavy wear concentrated around the grips. - The canvas covers show heavy wear and discoloration consistent with decades of storage, including frayed edges and a prominent blowout tear near one of the handle openings. Despite the fabric damage, the heavy-duty vintage metal zippers remain attached, adding to the authentic, rustic character of the set. - Dimensions: racket heads 9"W, length to end of handle is 27"L PICK UP DATES: We are offering 2 pick up dates for your convenience, pick up on Sat Oct 3 from 10am-1pm or Tues Oct 6 from 5pm-7pm. MS17-#2016 Pickup category timeslot {A}