Collecting tennis memorabilia and items related to the game can be both enjoyable and educational. Collectors may find great treasures at flea markets, garage and estate sales, auctions or dealers specializing in sports-related merchandise.
Collectors must decide whether or not they want to specialize in one area or collect multiple types of items. Furthermore, they should decide how they plan on spending their funds.
Tennis Rackets
The tennis racket is one of the most essential pieces of equipment in the sport and can have a profound effect on a player’s game. Historically, its frame was composed of wood with animal intestinal tract (catgut) strings attached. As technology advanced and manufacturers became more sophisticated with materials used for manufacturing frames began being constructed out of other non-wood materials such as aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber composites; today rackets come in all sorts of shapes sizes and weights to suit different playing styles and skill levels.
As an essential collector’s resource, this book visually catalogs over 1,100 endorsed wood tennis rackets from different styles and manufacturers. Though many of these endorsed rackets have previously been featured elsewhere, this volume represents their first compilation. Information included for each racket includes information such as its date of endorsement by an athlete as well as details like model number and manufacturer. Full color photos complete this volume’s comprehensive coverage.
This book is the first-of-its-kind reference guide designed to assist collectors and dealers in quickly and accurately identifying antique tennis rackets. Authors Jeanne Cherry and Siegfried Kuebler have combined their expertise in this area to craft an easy-to-use reference manual that any serious collector or seller must consult when collecting or selling vintage rackets – it should become essential reading!
As the sport of tennis expands, so too does its memorabilia collection. Some collectors focus on collecting tournament programs and ticket stubs while others collect items related to specific tennis players, teams, coaches and clubs – the latter can include rackets dating back to its birth! One significant collection includes early tennis rackets.
An impressive addition to any tennis memorabilia collection should be an antique racket cover. This collectible item has become something of an art form in its own right and some older covers are highly prized among collectors. Additionally, factors like make, model, condition and age of a racket play an enormous role in its value – so checking completed auctions on Ebay may provide insight as to what previous owners paid for similar items.
Tennis Balls
The tennis ball is truly an extraordinary object. Not only is it integral to one of the most beloved sports worldwide, but it can also serve as an interesting material for art projects or provide an innovative alternative to packing peanuts. Players of tennis – either professionally or recreationally – likely have many old balls lying around which can be recycled effectively in various ways.
Rubber pellets are first formed into half shells and joined using extreme heat and pressure – known as vulcanisation – before air is injected to each half to achieve the correct bounce height as stipulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
After this step, the ball is sanded to give it its smooth texture before another layer of felt is applied and adhered to its rubber shell through another vulcanising process. Finally, quality tests for size, weight, bounce height, pressure are conducted on it before it’s sealed up into its classic tin can for storage ready use.
Although tennis ball standards have remained consistent since their codification, numerous innovations are taking place to promote sustainability in tennis. Wilson, for instance, recently introduced a double core tennis ball designed to outlive its counterparts while simultaneously using less plastic in production.
Recycling old tennis balls comes in various forms; people can donate them to dog charities and kennels as an easy and cost-effective solution. Prior to donating any balls that may contain dirt or mud, however, it’s recommended that they are cleaned so as to prolong their lifespan and quality of playability.
Vintage Tennis Balls offers an in-depth resource about the history of tennis balls that details how they were manufactured and sold in the past. The website includes images and descriptions of antique balls as well as a database that allows users to sort by manufacturer or type; additionally it features vintage advertisements, lid samples, and an entire container classification system.
Tennis Posters
Posters featuring legendary tennis players from past and present are one of the most beloved collectibles associated with this beloved sport. Once considered an elite gentlemanly activity, tennis has now become one of the world’s most beloved spectator sports, drawing massive audiences at tournaments worldwide. Our collection includes posters showcasing these tennis greats including stars such as Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova as well as legends like Billie Jean King Martina Navratilova Anna Kournikova.
As well as posters featuring iconic tennis courts like Wimbledon and the French Open, some collectible posters feature top players’ autographs for added authenticity and unique style. These collectibles make an excellent addition to any sports memorabilia collection and come in an assortment of styles and sizes to suit every need.
Early tennis memorabilia includes original wooden rackets used during its infancy as well as rare vintage tennis balls and posters from old tournaments. Collectors also prize programs, ticket stubs and autographed items highly.
Posters featuring close-up images of tennis balls with rackets make an excellent way to show your passion for the game, available in various sizes with classic monochrome looks that add classic appeal.
Another popular tennis item is an original signed letter from one of the players to fellow spectators. This postcard-sized letter features the signature of a former tennis star turned actor best remembered for playing Lieutenant Rip Masters on Rin Tin Tin TV series; written in blue ink on black bordered postal card measuring 4 1/2×3 1/4.
Tennis Memorabilia
Tennis is one of the world’s most beloved spectator sports, and collecting memorabilia associated with its fans can be an engaging pastime. Fans can proudly display autographed items such as signed racquets, shirts and posters in their home or office while memorabilia also makes fantastic presents for fellow tennis enthusiasts such as Kei Nishikori or Rafael Nadal fans on your shopping list. Find match worn gear or custom PE shoes featuring Kei Nishikori or Rafael Nadal here.
Tennis is one of the world’s most beloved spectator sports, featuring some of the greatest athletes ever seen competing. Fans and collectors often seek memorabilia related to this game such as tennis balls, hats, trophies, clothing posters and trading cards; more rare items include vintage tennis rackets art antiques related to this sport and even letters signed by William Bostrom as Private Secretary to King Gustav V of Sweden as one example of collectable memorabilia.