tennishistory.com.au

When I first caught a glimpse of the 1920’s Dayton Steel racquets made in the USA, I was struck by the range of colours and the uniqueness of the design and the indestructible steel piano wire strings. While often quoted as specially suited to schools, these racquets did make their way to Australia in 1923.

The article (very bottom) was published in January 1923 while Australian Tennis champion Gerald Patterson on the right (below) is shown using one in Melbourne in March 1923. He went on to become a Sales Manager at Spalding in 1925 who also produced an early metal/ wood racquet. We also have an article about Jean Borotra from France arriving in Melbourne in January 1928 and playing with Pat O’Hara Wood at South Yarra tennis Club using steel racquets in very wet conditions and the Frenchman (like many first class players) was not very complimentary towards them even though this was the first time he had ever used them. See more about Dayton racquets under unusual racquets at www.tennishistory.com.au

I am thrilled to find this valid connection linking Dayton racquets to Australian collectors.

Only this week, someone sent me an ad for the Chesterfield racquets and in the fine print was a company I hadn’t even noticed before, owned by Best & Gee York St. Sydney. As half the battle is being a diligent P I, I jumped on the phone to a company which today is still owned by B&G. Today the owner rang me and filled me in on some quick history about the company which startedin 1923 using Canadian Ash. It wound down in the mid 1970’s so the brand has enjoyed a great following in Australia. Learn more on the website www.tennishistory.com.au

Since the brand was Sydney based you will probably find more examples up there than in Melbourne. If you own a couple, please send down some pics. Product catalogues would be fantastic to help identify a models list.

Interesting Shaped Racquets Rackets

Hi Everyone, I am interested if anyone remembers playing with any of these racquets. Personally I remember hitting with the Snauwert Ergonom.

Did anyone play with that double hander?? That looks really interesting. What about that bent handled one.

How did they play? What worked and didn’t work? Was it hard to serve with but great on ground strokes? Tell us leave a comment.

You can see the full article of all Interesting Shaped Racquets on the site at this link. There are some great close up photos !

Actually there is one on the site called Maynard Air Racquet. It looks like you use a bike pump to lock the strings into the frame of the racquet.

Also there is one “Blackburne Double String” which has 2 sets of strings on each side of the frame. Imaging stringing it. The first side would be ok but what about the second side!

Did anyone ever use play or string that racquet?

Enjoy Michael