Vintage Finds: Tennis, anyone? [+ 3 racquets for sale!]

Long, long ago, I took private tennis lessons with a good friend and it was such a fun {and, might I add, absolutely hilarious!} time ... I think the introduction I had to the sport is what makes me hold a bit of a soft spot for it to this day.

It really is such a lovely sport ... you don't have to be very good to enjoy it, you can still look adorable because Lacoste and Ralph Lauren understand that's important ... and ... you get to enjoy drinks with your partner afterwards! Could anything be better?

With that said, I can't imagine a more fun theme to play up at a wedding than tennis - especially if the sport means something special to you and your love ... Maybe you and your fiance met through tennis ... played in college ... or you still hit the courts regularly together? Regardless, let's check out some of the awesome preppy shots you could get with such a theme {and with amazing vintage wooden racquets!}:

Aren't they the cutest?!? How fun would it be to take your engagement shoot to the court? The racquets also look great propped up as decor and I've seen one vintage wedding where all the groomsmen held up tennis racquets in an arch formation outside the church doors for the bride and groom to walk through - so adorable! I've also seen some brides attach childhood photos to the racquet strings with tiny clothespins and use them as decor around the guestbook and surrounding tables - love that idea!

And I love, love, love this vintage tennis inspiration below ... his cable pullover is so timeless. Wouldn't it be fun to dress vintage for a day and do your e-shoot, retro tennis-style?!

If you love the idea of including a touch of tennis in your engagement photos or in your wedding, check out the three racquets I have have for sale below as well as the pint-sized Doubles trophy:

Above: A Set of 2 Vintage Wooden Tennis Racquets - Complete with their wooden braces

This set is in great vintage condition! The first is a Wilson and it is marked "Wilson" "Personal" and also says "Jack Kramer" with an illustration. The second is a Spalding and it is marked "Interclub ... For Championship Play." It also has a fantastic retro illustration of a gentlemen serving. Both racquets have leather handles that are in great condition and both could definitely still be used to play as all the strings are in tact and in great shape. Both also come with their original wooden braces, as seen in the photos. These racquets would also look great hanging on the wall for home decor!

Price: $99.00 for both racquets + shipping ... or $55.00 each + shipping

If you'd like to purchase one or both racquets, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Above: Retro Spalding Tennis Racquet
This vintage Spalding racquet is marked "World Contender" "Power-Ply Construction" and has a leather handle in great shape. Terrific red and black accents. The strings are taut and you should be able to play with this racquet. Would also look great hanging on the wall as decor!
Price: $45.00 + shipping
If you'd like to purchase this racquet, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Above: Petite-sized 'Doubles' Loving Cup Trophy
This adorable miniature trophy measures 4" tall and we believe it is made of pewter. The inscription reads: "Doubles" and it has the tiniest laurel wreath circling the top edge of the cup. There is also lovely detailing on the lower half and around the base. It would be incredibly cute with a cluster of trophies and could even hold a single flower. I also think it could make a darling gift for a groom {or bride} who has a passion for tennis and I love that the inscription "Doubles" could also insinuate the new married "team" - so sweet! It stands atop a tiny original black plastic base which is removable and is marked on the bottom with "Meriden B. Co. International Co."
Price: $58.00 + shipping SOLD
If you'd like to purchase the little trophy, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Hope you enjoyed Vintage Finds week and check back every Monday at CB for more great retro finds! Or if you can't wait, peruse the wares at CB Vintage -- just click the ad on the right-hand side of the blog to start shopping! ;o)

{Images: 1-3: Via Weekend Host; 4: Martha Stewart; 5: Via Slip Slip Knit; 6-10: By me}

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