Condition
10
10: New
9: Mint
8: Excellent
7: Good
6: Fair
5: Average
4: Below Average
3: Poor
|
Rarity
7
10: Impossibly rare
9: Extremely rare
8: Hard to find
7: Fairly rare
6: Uncommon
5: Common
<4: Big Seller
9: Mint
8: Excellent
7: Good
6: Fair
5: Average
4: Below Average
3: Poor
9: Extremely rare
8: Hard to find
7: Fairly rare
6: Uncommon
5: Common
<4: Big Seller
– – – – – – – – – – –
About This Racket
This racket was priced at 45 shillings (£2.25) in 1938 and was at the top end of the range but this is a much later release. likely 1967 given the nylon strings. Still, it is rare to find an 1960s racket in almost new condition, factory fresh! Here is a beautiful example: white on brown with an interior painted hoop. Slazenger’s early rackets included the Eltham (named after their home ground), Frinton, Invicta,, Kings and the big sellers: Queen and Demon. According to newspaper archives: In 1938 Slazenger released the following:
Fred Perry Special 52 6 (£2.60)
Meteor 45 (£2.25)
Victory 35 (£1.75)
Varsity 32 6 (£1.65)
Eclipse 27 6 (£1.37)
Match Point 21 (£1.05)
Whirlwind 17 6 (£0.87)
Specifications (👋 not yet accurate….check back soon)
Measurements | Value | Performance | Score |
---|---|---|---|
Weight | 394g | Power | 33/100 |
Head Size & Length | 68sq in | 27inch | Control | 28/100 |
Balance | 8pt head light (220) | Spin | 26/100 |
Grip | Perforated leather | Handling | 30/100 |
Strings | 18 x 20 | gut | Comfort | 49/100 |
Flexibility | RA 49 | Consistency | 33/100 |
About Slazenger
While Slazenger began producing tennis balls in 1877, it became the official Wimbledon ball supplier in 1902, a partnership lasting over a century. The company also expanded internationally, establishing a significant presence in Australia by the early 1900s. In 1928, they opened an Australian factory for rackets and later added cricket bats, overcoming challenges like a 1932 factory fire and a late 1990s hailstorm.Slazenger was known for innovations like the “Floating Power” rackets in the 1930s, using mercury to enhance weight distribution, and introduced the “Challenge” racket post-WWII, popular until the mid-1970s. Their aggressive marketing strategies included player endorsements and junior development programs, maintaining visibility and promoting their products. In 1959, Dunlop acquired Slazenger, allowing it to operate independently, and between 1960 and 1973, Slazenger rackets won many Grand Slam events. However, by the mid-1980s, competitive pressures led to the cessation of racket production in Australia, shifting manufacturing to Asia.
A Slazenger Ad from 1927
SLAZENGERS’ “QUEEN’S” RACKET
This Racket is now universally recognised as the World’s leading Tournament Racket. Specification—Rounded frame of finest selected English Ash, single strung with all white gut of highest possible quality; extra trebling in both directions, specially reinforced shoulders, bound in the well-known Queen’s Club, London, colours. 13 oz. to 14½ oz.
SLAZENGER’S “PRIMORIS” RACKET
SLAZENGER’S “DOHERTY” RACKET
SLAZENGER’S “PALL MALL” RACKET
SLAZENGER’S “SHAFTSBURY” RACKET.
SLAZENGER’S “CHELTENHAM” RACKET.
SLAZENGER’S “ECLIPSE” RACKET.
Slazenger’s “Melbury,” 13 oz. to 15 oz. 72/6
“Anderson” designed by Mr. J. O. Anderson …………………………………. 68/6
Slazenger’s “V.V.V.” (Veni Vidi Vici) ……………………………………. 67/6
“Lambert Chambers,” designed by Mrs. Lambert Chambers (the World’s Lady Champion for 7 years) …………………………………… 65/-
Slazenger’s “E.G.M.” designed by Mr. E.G. Meers, well-known expert ……………………………. 55/-
Slazenger’s “Acme,” popular, medium-priced Racket ………………………. 52/6
Slazenger’s “Meteor,” an attractive model ……………………………….. 40/-
Slazenger’s “Demon,” bearing Slazenger’s signature ………………………. 47/8
Slazenger’s “Player,” 12½ to 15 oz. ……………………….. 20/-
Slazenger’s “Junior Champion,” children’s Racket ……………………………………. 21/-
Gallery
Timeline of Slazenger
YEAR | EVENT |
---|---|
1877 | Slazenger tennis balls production begins. |
1881 | Ralph and Albert Slazenger establish a shop in London. |
1883 | Slazenger files a patent for a table tennis net. |
1885 | Slazenger begins promoting sporting goods. |
1889 | Captain Ralph Slazenger visits Australia. |
1902 | Slazenger becomes the official tennis ball supplier for Wimbledon. |
1910 | Slazenger and Sons becomes a public company. |
1928 | Slazenger opens an Australian factory in Sydney. |
1931 | Slazenger acquires H. Gradidge and Sons. |
1939 | Slazenger acquires William Sykes Ltd. |
1942 | Slazenger acquires F. H. Ayres. |
1940 | Slazenger factory bombed during the Blitz. |
1958 | Dunlop acquires Slazenger, allowing it to run independently. |
1959 | Ralph Slazenger Jr. sells the family business to Dunlop Rubber. |
1960-1973 | Slazenger racquets win 38 of 112 Grand Slam events. |
1965 | Slazenger Championship No.1 tennis racket launched. |
1980s | Rise of metal and composite tennis racquets. |
Mid-1980s | Slazenger ceases racquet production in Australia. |
1985 | Dunlop Rubber purchased by BTR plc; forms Dunlop Slazenger Sports Group. |
1996 | BTR sells Dunlop Sport in a management buyout; new company named “Dunlop Slazenger”. |
2002 | Slazenger Barnsley plant closes; production moves to the Philippines. |
2004 | CINVen sells Dunlop Slazenger to Sports Direct International. |