Set of 3 Vintage Wooden Tennis Rackets - Tad Imperial, Spalding Pancho Gonzales Signature & Doris Hart Signature + Original Press | Circa 1955–1969

Details

Description

A beautiful collection of three authentic mid-century wooden tennis rackets representing the golden era of American tennis.

Included are:

• … Read more A beautiful collection of three authentic mid-century wooden tennis rackets representing the golden era of American tennis.

Included are:

• T.A. Davis (TAD) Imperial
• Spalding Pancho Gonzales Signature
• Spalding Doris Hart Signature
• Original wooden racket press for the Doris Hart racket

The earliest racket in the collection is the T.A. Davis Imperial, dating to approximately 1955–1959. It features the desirable "First Quality Laminated" TAD crest, elegant Imperial throat graphics, laminated hardwood construction, cord-wrapped shoulders, original leather grip, and original TAD butt cap. These details identify it as one of the earlier Imperial models produced before fiberglass reinforcement became common.

The Spalding Pancho Gonzales Signature honors one of the greatest champions in tennis history and features classic mid-century styling with its original graphics and leather grip.

Completing the collection is the Spalding Doris Hart Signature, honoring the Hall of Fame champion. It is accompanied by its original adjustable wooden racket press, an accessory that is frequently missing and highly desirable for display.

The combination of warm laminated woods, colorful graphics, original leather grips, and authentic period construction makes this an outstanding decorative collection for a library, office, den, country club, tennis club, or mid-century modern interior.

Sold together as one curated collection.

DATE OF MANUFACTURE
TAD Imperial: Circa 1955–1959
Spalding Pancho Gonzales Signature: Circa 1960–1965
Spalding Doris Hart Signature with Original Wooden Press: Circa 1960–1965

DIMENSIONS
TAD Imperial
Height: 27 in.
Width: 10 in.
Depth: 1 in.

Spalding Pancho Gonzales Signature
Height: 27 in.
Width: 9.75 in.
Depth: 1.5 in.

Spalding Doris Hart Signature
Height: 27 in.
Width: 9.75 in.
Depth: 1.75 in. (including racket press)

MATERIALS
Laminated Wood
Leather
Natural Gut Strings
Painted Finish
Metal
Wood Racket Press

CONDITION
Good vintage condition consistent with age and use. All three rackets retain their original finishes, graphics, leather grips, and stringing. Cosmetic wear includes scuffs, finish loss, grip wear, oxidation to the strings, and age-related patina. The TAD Imperial shows finish wear around the throat and frame edges. The Spalding Doris Hart racket includes its original wooden racket press. Structurally sound and sold primarily as decorative display pieces or for a vintage sports collection. See less