Wilson Alice Marble Tournament Tennis Racket
Sports equipment / vintage artifact, constructed from laminated wood, gut strings, and synthetic fiber face overlay • Manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods Co., endorsed by Alice Marble
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Industrial Design / Vintage Sports Memorabilia
Medium & Technique
Laminated wood crafting, woodworking, varnishing, screen printing, string weaving
Creation Period
Mid-20th century, circa 1940s-1950s
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racket format, approximately 27 inches in length
Subject Description
A vintage wooden tennis racket featuring the signature endorsement of tennis champion Alice Marble. The racket has a laminated wood frame, traditional gut stringing, a distinctive teal and white throat piece labeled 'Alice Marble TOURNAMENT', and 'SPEED-FLEX FIBRE FACE' indicators. A red ribbon is tied to the throat.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, showing expected signs of age, minor paint chipping on the throat, and intact stringing with minor discoloration
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100
Provenance History
Likely acquired new by an amateur tennis player in the mid-20th century and preserved as a family heirloom or sports collectible
Art Historical Significance
Represents the era of wooden tennis rackets and the marketing strategy of endorsing equipment with prominent female athletes like Alice Marble, a multiple Grand Slam champion who revolutionized women's tennis
Notable Features
Features the rare 'Alice Marble' signature endorsement model name, teal throat design, and 'SPEED-FLEX FIBRE FACE' technology label
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffs, slight wear and paint loss on the white throat overlay, and age-related discoloration of the strings and wood varnish
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent wood warping and string degradation. Clean gently with a dry, soft microfiber cloth.