Rod Laver Grand Slam Tennis Racket Clock
Mixed media sculptural object / Upcycled decorative art • Unknown folk artist / Upcycling artisan
Style & Movement
Vernacular upcycled craft / Found object art
Medium & Technique
Vintage wooden tennis racket, nylon or gut stringing, paper or photographic print face, mechanical clock movement, handmade upcycling assembly
Creation Period
Late 20th century to early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 27 inches in length by 9 inches in width (standard tennis racket dimensions)
Subject Description
An altered vintage wooden tennis racket featuring the branding of tennis legend Rod Laver and 'Grand Slam'. The string bed has been repurposed to mount a photographic image of a tennis player, overlaid with clock hands at the center, transforming a piece of sports memorabilia into a functional wall clock.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, showing expected signs of vintage wear, localized paint chipping on the throat, and natural aging of the wood and protective tape.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Acquired from private domestic circulation, likely a piece of DIY home decor or novelty sports memorabilia created from a genuine mid-century tennis racket.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular cultural phenomenon of upcycling and repurposing vintage sports equipment into decorative domestic objects, celebrating tennis heritage through functional folk art.
Notable Features
Features the embossed signature of tennis champion Rod Laver and 'MULTI-LAMINATED HAND CRAFT SELECTED ENGLISH ASHWOOD' text on the handle, alongside a 'Grand Slam' script logo on the head.
Condition Issues
Wear and peeling on the racket head's protective tape overlay, fading of the printed imagery behind the strings, and potential aging of the quartz clock mechanism.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry environment away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the underlying image and drying out of the vintage laminated wood. Clean gently with a soft dry cloth.