Ormond Favorite 1904
The Ghost in the Strings
Manuf.:
Model:
Spec.:
Year *:
Ormond
Favorite
Solid wood
1904
*documented or estimated
Background facts:
Ormond was a British tennis racquet manufacturer based in London, known for producing solid, well-crafted models in the early twentieth century. While the company remained less prominent than manufacturers such as Slazenger or Ayres, Ormond established a distinct niche by focusing on exports to German-speaking markets. Its racquets typically carried the inscription “Ormond London,” emphasizing British origin while addressing continental clientele.
The Favorite model, produced around 1904, exemplifies Ormond’s manufacturing approach. It features a convex wedge, thick-gauge strings, and a double main stringing pattern first popularized by Slazenger under patent in 1898. This construction was valued for durability and increased string tension, qualities well suited to extended play on the slower lawn courts common at the time.
Although limited information survives regarding Ormond’s wider distribution network, the recurring appearance of its racquets in early German and Austrian sporting goods shops suggests a deliberate strategy of selective market presence and brand exclusivity in continental Europe.
