Vintage Wilson Tubular Steel Tennis Racquet
Sports Equipment / Industrial Design Object • Manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Industrial Design / Streamline Moderne
Medium & Technique
Chrome-plated tubular steel, nylon or gut stringing, leather grip wrap, plastic throat piece
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racquet size, approximately 27 inches in length
Subject Description
A functional athletic implement featuring a rounded, metallic tubular steel frame with exposed helical lacing securing the string bed, dual-shaft neck design, and the prominent Wilson 'W' logo on the throat collar
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The chrome plating appears largely intact with minor surface oxidation, strings are intact, and the leather wrap shows age-appropriate wear.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100
Provenance History
Acquired from a private collection of vintage sports memorabilia; typical of mid-century domestic use and recreational sports history in the United States
Art Historical Significance
Represents a significant technological shift in sports equipment design, moving away from traditional laminated wood frames toward durable metal alloys that predated the modern graphite era
Notable Features
Distinctive open tubular steel frame construction with external string attachment wraps and classic mid-century Wilson block 'W' logo branding
Condition Issues
Minor pitting and oxidation on the chrome-plated steel surface; slight discoloration of the throat collar and wear to the leather grip tape
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry environment with stable humidity to prevent further oxidation of the metal components; clean gently with a dry or lightly dampened microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive metal polishes that could damage the finish