Ashes of a Childhood Racquet

Manuf.:    Period workshop

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Model:      London

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Spec.:        Solid wood, child racquet,
                   severely burned

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Year:         1896

(documented or estimated)

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Background facts:

Junior tennis racquets were lighter and smaller than those for adults. This piece shows clear burn marks on the head and shaft, likely the result of a house fire around 1900. The strings are damaged, and part of the wood is blackened, but the shape remains identifiable. Nothing is known about the child who once used it. What remains is a scorched racquet, a physical trace of early junior equipment.