Hazells Streamline All White Star 1938

Then as now, manufacturers did not always have complete control over the design of a new product. When a leading player was involved, commercial and sporting considerations often influenced the final result. In the case of the Streamline series, Henry “Bunny” Austin played an important role in shaping the appearance of a new model being developed by Grays. The original concept called for a blue-painted frame, accompanied by a matching line of tennis balls. These products were intended to be marketed as the All Blue Streamline Tennis Racquet and the Light Blue Tennis Ball. Austin, however, strongly favoured a white finish and pressed for the racquet to be produced in that colour. The final design reflected a combination of Austin’s preference and the original concept. The result was an All White Streamline rather than the planned All Blue Streamline. One detail from the earlier design remained unchanged: the racquet retained the existing Blue Star decal instead of receiving a corresponding White Star sticker.

For a complete overview of all known tennis, badminton and squash models, see: https://www.tennishistory.com/post/hazells-streamline-star-alliance