Vintage Wilson Arthur Ashe Autograph Wood Tennis Racquet
Sports Equipment / Decorative Object, Laminated Wood and Synthetic Gut • Manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods, endorsed by Arthur Ashe
Style & Movement
Mid-to-Late 20th Century Industrial Design / Sports Memorabilia
Medium & Technique
Laminated wood construction with painted finishes, screen-printed branding, leather grip wrap, and natural gut or synthetic stringing
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racquet size, approximately 27 inches in length
Subject Description
A classic vintage wooden tennis racquet featuring the prominent Wilson 'W' logo on the white throat shaft, green and white throat wedge graphics with Arthur Ashe autograph facsimile, and a perforated dark leather grip handle
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition with expected age-related wear, light scuffing on the frame, and patinated strings
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired new by a recreational tennis player during the height of the wooden racquet era, passed down through private collection or estate acquisition
Art Historical Significance
Significant in the history of sports equipment design, representing the iconic era of wooden racquets before the widespread adoption of graphite and composite materials, and associated with tennis legend Arthur Ashe
Notable Features
Features the recognizable green-accented Arthur Ashe autograph design and the classic red Wilson 'W' logo on a white-painted throat
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffs and paint loss along the wooden frame, slight discoloration on the white painted throat, and aged or slack string tension
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent wood warping and leather grip degradation; suitable for display with wall mounts or a specialized rack