Ekert The Club

The Mermaid Brand

Manuf.: Ekert & Co.

Model: The Club

Spec.: Solid wood, box-shaped head

Year: 1895

(documented or estimated)

Background facts:

Alongside Roithner, Ekert was among the first tennis racquet manufacturers in Germany. The company was based in Hamburg, with commercial register records dating back to 1895. Ekert sold sporting goods, rubber shoes, and car tires.

We received this racquet from Jonathan Schmitz in Leipzig. Jonathan told us:

"My wife and I bought an old house in Leipzig, Germany, that still contained many legacies. Among them, we found two tennis racquets, including this one (the other is the Ormond Club, also presented in the gallery). The racquets belonged to Paul Osterloh and his son, Dr. Alfred Osterloh. Dr. Osterloh was a botanist and zoologist who produced biological teaching models. As part of his work, he traveled to international trade fairs and exhibitions before the turn of the century. He purchased the racquets during one of these business trips."