The Wingfield

The Racquet of the Tennis Founder

Historical lithographic illustration depicting an early lawn tennis pioneer holding a racquet

Walter Clopton Wingfield

Manuf.: Prince Edward, eldest son of Queen Victoria

Model: The Wingfield

Spec.: Lopsided frame, full treblings, ivory-inlays

Year: 1876

(documented or estimated)

Background facts:

Until 1874, tennis was mainly practiced in courtyards or indoor spaces. Imported from France, the Britisch called the game royal or real tennis. Everything changed in the year 1874. On 23r February for that year, Welshman Major Walter Clopton Wingfield was granted his famous Britisch patent No. 685, entitled Sphairistikè, a Greek name for today`s lawn tennis or, more simply said, tennis. Wingfield established rules with his patent which amongst others included dimensions of the court and net. A unique testimony to this time, the racquet was commissioned after 1875/76 by Edward, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, later to become King Edward VII, following his return from a journey to India. Edward had the piece make in recognition of Wingfield`s contributions to the young, emerging sport.

The racquet`s handle was inlaid with Indian ivory brought back by the prince from his trip. King Edward VII, who had always maintained a friendly relationship with Wingfield, later appointed him a Member of the Royal Victorian Order, MVO, for Exceptional, important and personal services to the sovereign royal family in the year 1902. It is documented that it survived the turmoil of the First and Second World Wars within the walls of Buckingham Palace and was presented to the Slazenger/Dunlop company by the royal family after World War II.