Racquet Presses

While creative design was certainly evident in the racquet shapes and construction methods, even the humble racquet press came in many shapes and sizes. Presses go back as far as the racquets themselves due to the fact that under enormous pressure from strings and combined with often damp or humid conditions racquets would warp. Presses were essential for longevity and you will find many racquets have the caution printed on the butt cap, ‘ when not in use store in a press’.

While the ‘one press for one racquet ‘ rule was predominant, some of the most highly collectable presses belonged to clubs which held multiple racquets.

These are some interesting wood and metal presses. Top left the Presto Press, to the right an Australian made AGB  and below this the Zephyr press both with one central bolt that tightens by inserting the thread through the strings. The other two allow the racquet to slide in which then requires the 2/4 nuts to be tightened.

This is a veru unusual 3/4 press by Murray Baldwin

This is another Presto Press variation. See single screw version above.

Yet another nicely shaped press.

This press(USA) photo was added in Jan 2011 and features a very attractive wavy edge design.

Another unusual press featuring a full face design in stainless steel.

   

MAG horseshoe press and Wrights patented Press (UK)

Another unusual press circa 1890′s early 1900′s (UK) which was made by a variety of firms. Variations on this design included single and multiple racquets as per below.

 

These two presses use pressure to hold the racquet tight as the bolt is wound up to extend the swinging top parts of the press outwards and down or the clip is locked into place for the same effect.

This press, instead of bolts as a pull down locking mechanism on all four corners making it much quicker.

One of the best presses made for ease of use. Just lever the handle from one side to the other to create compression.

The shot below is used without copyright and was a shot I found on a website before commencing this project, however in the interests of educating viewers, this is a multi-press. If anyone can supply me with a replacement shot, please advise.

 Same applies to this shot of a club level multi racquet press.

 

Creativity extended beyond press. This photo comes from The Argus (Melbourne) September 1923 from an invention designed in the UK.