Billie Jean King Bancroft Tournament Tennis Racket
Sports memorabilia, manufactured wooden artifact • Manufactured by Bancroft Sporting Goods, endorsed by Billie Jean King
Style & Movement
Vintage Sports Equipment Design, Pop Culture Memorabilia
Medium & Technique
Laminated wood, gut or nylon stringing, printed graphics, varnished finish
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racket dimensions, approximately 27 inches in length
Subject Description
A vintage wooden tennis racket featuring the Bancroft brand name, a decorative flourish, a facsimile signature of tennis legend Billie Jean King, and the letter B stenciled onto the strings, presented on a glossy red surface.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The wood retains a clean finish, strings are intact, with minor wear consistent with age and light handling.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$75 - $200 USD
Provenance History
Sourced from a sports memorabilia collection; previously in private ownership as a collectible tribute to tennis history.
Art Historical Significance
Significant in the realm of sports history and feminist iconography, representing the era of wooden rackets and the massive commercial impact of female athletes like Billie Jean King endorsing sports equipment.
Notable Features
Features the distinctive facsimile signature of Billie Jean King, the Bancroft Tournament branding, and the classic red 'B' string stencil.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffs on the wood and slight discoloration on the grip area, typical of vintage sports equipment.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent wood warping and string degradation.