Bancroft Billie Jean King Tournament Wooden Tennis Racket
Sports equipment, vintage wooden tennis racket • Manufactured by the Bancroft Racket Company, endorsed by tennis legend Billie Jean King
Style & Movement
Mid-20th Century Vintage Sports Memorabilia
Medium & Technique
Laminated wood, synthetic gut stringing, painted branding, printed signature, lacquer finish
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racket size, approximately 27 inches in length
Subject Description
A classic wooden tennis racket featuring the Bancroft brand name on the throat, a stylized 'B' stenciled in black across the white nylon/gut strings, decorative scrollwork, and a facsimile signature of Billie Jean King printed on the handle.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition. Shows normal signs of age and handling, with intact strings and clear branding, though minor scuffs on the wooden frame are present.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired new by a tennis enthusiast or sports memorabilia collector during the late 20th century and passed down through private ownership.
Art Historical Significance
Represents an important era of sports history associated with Billie Jean King, a pioneer for women's sports and tennis equality, showcasing the transition from traditional wooden rackets to modern era endorsements.
Notable Features
Features the distinct facsimile signature of Billie Jean King, the iconic Bancroft red-and-white throat wrap, and the classic stenciled 'B' string pattern.
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear on the wooden head and handle, slight yellowing of the clear lacquer finish due to age, but no structural cracking or broken strings visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent the wood from warping or the strings from degrading. Display mounted on a wall or in a protective shadowbox.