Vintage Draper-Maynard Wooden Tennis Racket
Sports Equipment / Decorative Object, Laminated Wood and Gut Stringing • Manufactured by Draper-Maynard Co. (D&M)
Style & Movement
Industrial Design / Vintage Sporting Goods
Medium & Technique
Laminated wood craftsmanship, steam-bending, varnishing, and traditional gut stringing with decorative throat bindings
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1950s)
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racket format, approximately 27 inches (68.5 cm) in length and 9 inches (23 cm) in head width
Subject Description
A classic wooden lawn tennis racket featuring an oval wooden head, tightly strung gut strings, reinforced throat with multi-ply wood construction, and the signature Draper-Maynard 'The Lucky Dog' circular emblem medallion at the throat junction. Accented with decorative dark and light threaded wrapping.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, showing authentic patination, minor surface scuffs on the wooden handle, intact original stringing, and well-preserved maker's medallion
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Acquired through general vintage goods circulation; originally produced for recreational sports use by the Draper-Maynard company, famously associated with early 20th-century American athletics
Art Historical Significance
Represents the historical era of tennis equipment manufacturing before the advent of modern steel, fiberglass, and graphite rackets. Highlights the prominent American sporting goods manufacturer Draper-Maynard, best known historically for their baseball gear endorsed by athletes like Babe Ruth
Notable Features
Features the distinct round paper/decal medallion depicting a dog and the text 'Draper-Maynard The Lucky Dog Kind', alongside classic striped throat bindings
Condition Issues
Surface wear and scuffing on the wooden handle, minor discoloration on the vintage gut strings, and slight drying of the exterior varnish consistent with age
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a stable environment away from high humidity and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent wood warping. Clean gently with a dry microfiber cloth and consider light waxing to preserve the wooden patina