Rod Laver Grand Slam Vintage Wooden Tennis Racket
Sports Equipment / Decorative Object, made of laminated wood, gut string, and leather • Manufactured for or endorsed by Rod Laver, likely produced by a prominent sporting goods manufacturer such as Dunlop
Style & Movement
Mid-20th Century Sports Memorabilia / Industrial Design
Medium & Technique
Laminated multi-ply wood construction with hand-strung natural gut strings, leather grip wrap, and applied branding decals
Creation Period
Circa 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Standard adult tennis racket format, approximately 27 inches in length
Subject Description
A vintage wooden tennis racket featuring a laminated wood frame, throat reinforcement with contrasting wood veneers, white protective head guard tape with red 'Grand Slam' lettering, and the facsimile signature 'Rod Laver' on the handle
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition with visible aging appropriate for a vintage sports artifact, including minor surface wear on the wood and discolored stringing
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a consumer sporting good during the 1970s tennis boom, subsequently preserved by a sports memorabilia collector
Art Historical Significance
Represents the transitional era of tennis equipment right before the widespread adoption of metal and composite graphite rackets, bearing the name of tennis legend Rod Laver
Notable Features
Includes the prominent facsimile signature of tennis great Rod Laver and the 'Grand Slam' branding on the head guard
Condition Issues
Age-related drying and discoloration of the natural gut strings, minor scuffing on the wooden frame, and yellowing of the head guard tape
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent wood warping and string degradation; mount on a custom wall display or store in a protective case