Racquet Bending Machine (ca. 1876) by E. Kent EstateInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Early rackets were crafted from solid wood with natural gut strings. Quality and craftsmanship were the selling points. Models like Bancroft’s “The Winner” changed the game, sparking design shifts across the sport. Want to know how speed became part of the story?
Royal Lawn Tennis Boxed Set (ca. 1875) by Jefferies & Co.International Tennis Hall of Fame
As the game got faster, so did the gear. Laminated woods replaced solid ash, improving flexibility and power. “Speed wood” was born. Strings were refined too. Rackets weren’t just beautiful—they were built for performance. Explore how design met ambition.
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