This last couple of weeks has seen the purchase of some more unusual racquets by DYNASPOT, DEESSE and ROX PRO which will be added to the unusual section.
Over in the USA we found an early wood racquet sold by a company owned by Australian Davis Cup player in the 1920′s, J.O.Anderson. Now at this time he and Gerald Patterson were the two players dominating the game in singles and since Anderson was from Sydney and Patterson Melbourne there was plenty of rivalry.
Anderson endorsed a few different racquet companies in Australia. He has signature racquets produced by Slazenger and a 
picture of these was added recently to the Slazenger page. He also used the Alexander brand followed by Chesterfield. He did this in order to try and earn a meager living out of tennis at times where extended travel overseas and domestic events meant leaving more profitable business affairs behind.
As a lucky charm, Anderson used to bring a small stuffed wallaby onto the court with him as per this photo right.
The USA racquet we found must tie back to this well known tradition.
It was produced by US firm James Brine in Boston and with a scored wood grip this does date the racquet from the 1920′s to early 1930′s. Given J.O. was a prominent player in the early 1920′s it would make sense to promote his company in the US as the height of his career. Although likely to have been made under a license deal for only the USA domestic market, we can find no reference to a date confirming his company actually sold these racquets in Australia.
The condition is exceptional and we thank ebay seller rustynewport314 and his ebay store the Players Tea Room for permitting us to use his photos. The racquet sold for $95 US.
You must log in to post a comment.