For sale is a rare early 1900s HARRY C. LEE TENNIS RACKET made by Harry C. Lee Company, NY, NY. This superb racket is in like new condition and does not have any broken strings. The 13 oz. racquet is marked with a March 10, 1908 patent date. Tennis rackets manufactured prior to the 1930’s were designed with a slit in the side of the handle (a slotted handle). Since this racquet has a slit in its handle and it’s patent date, this racquet would have been manufactured sometime between 1908 and 1930. The racquet measures 27 inches long and 9 inches at its widest. You cannot find a better vintage Harry C. Lee Racket. A first rate tennis collectible.
In 1874, Major Walter C. Wingfield made the very first tennis racket was made in London. In 1947, advances in laminating technology resulted in the first tennis racket made of laminated wood. In 1968, a steel tennis racquet was brought to market with aluminum racquets being introduced in the 1970s.
The Harry C. Lee Company was a sporting goods store with it’s own line of tennis rackets located at 10 Warren St, NYC. The company began producing tennis rackets in 1898 and continued to produce rackets into the 1960’s. The iconic building had a ten foot Tennis Racket hung above the store entrance. The Harry C Lee brand was associated with several top players in the early 1900’s and then again in the 1950s.
