top of page

The Game of Parlour Tennis

A Glimpse into Victorian Leisure – Origins of Table Tennis
 

Manuf.:    Parlour Tennis Racquet Maker
 

Model:      n/a

Spec.:        Leather-covered core

Year:         1875

(documented or estimated)

Background facts:

Before the rise of squash, the game of Rackets was played in English prisons and later in private courts, using tightly strung racquets and hard balls that demanded speed and accuracy. Strung and vellum-covered battledores from the mid-nineteenth century marked the direct forerunners of badminton. A few decades later, Tennis de Salon or Parlour tennis brought the same principles of racket play onto wooden tables, laying the groundwork for modern table tennis.

 

Tennis de Salon

Tennis de Salon Box Cover


Illustrations
 

Parlour Tennis Bats - Portrait Position

 

Portrait​

Parlour Tennis Bats - Site View

 

Side View​

Parlour Tennis Bats - Profile View

 

Profile View

Parlour Tennis Bats - Butt end

 

Butt end

Join our mailing list

info (at) berlintennisgallery (dot) com

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn
  • X     Twitter

©2026 Berlin Tennis Gallery

bottom of page