Autographed Tennis Racket Appraisal

Vintage Wilson Chris Evert Autograph Tennis Racket with Cover

This item is a vintage Wilson tennis racket, specifically the 'Chris Evert Autograph' model, presented with its original, or at least a period-appropriate, head cover. The racket features a classic wooden construction for the handle, which appears to be a light to medium brown wood, possibly ash or maple, and has a faceted grip characteristic of older tennis rackets. Some wear is visible on the very end of the handle, suggesting use or age. A white label with the 'Wilson' logo is present on the throat of the racket, just below the handle, and prominently displays 'Chris Evert AUTOGRAPH' in a delicate script. The head of the racket is not fully visible as it is encased in a protective cover. The cover is made of a light brown, possibly faux leather or vinyl material, with a prominent white fabric band running vertically down its center. On this white band, the 'Wilson' logo is emblazoned in large blue letters, with 'Chris Evert AUTOGRAPH' printed alongside in blue. The cover is zippered, with a visible gold-toned zipper pull, and features piping around its edge for structural integrity and a finished look. A small loop for hanging or carrying is also visible at the bottom of the cover. The overall condition suggests a well-preserved vintage item; there are no severe tears or cracks visible on the cover or the exposed handle, though some slight discoloration or scuffing may be present due to age and handling. This item likely dates from the 1970s or early 1980s, reflecting the peak of Chris Evert's career.