Sports Racquet Press Appraisal

Vintage Badminton Racquet Press

The item depicted is a vintage badminton racquet press constructed predominantly of wood. It features a trapezoidal or roughly 'A'-frame shape, designed to clamp around the head of a badminton racquet to maintain the frame's integrity and prevent warping when not in use. The main frame components are made of light-to-medium toned wood, likely a hardwood such as ash or maple, given its intended function of providing structural support. The visible surfaces of the wood exhibit a natural grain, with some areas showing a slightly darker patina indicative of age and handling. The joinery appears to be either doweled or mortise-and-tenon, reinforced at the four corners by prominent flat-head metal screws or rivets with a silver or nickel finish. The central part of the press is fitted with a dense, fine-gauge metal mesh, possibly galvanized steel or another durable alloy, which would rest directly against the racquet strings. This mesh is securely fastened within the wooden frame. At the base of the 'A' frame, there are two small, dark, possibly leather or rubber pads, which would provide cushioning against the racquet shoulders. The neck of a racquet, partially visible beneath the press, is dark-stained wood with a contrasting lighter strip, likely indicating the original racquet frame material. A visible label or stencil on the racquet neck reads 'JOHNSON CORP' and 'KROYDON.' The grip of the racquet, extending downwards, is wrapped in a light-colored, aged material, possibly leather or a textile, showing significant wear, discoloration, and fraying, with a small piece of the wrapping detaching near the butt end. The overall condition suggests considerable age and use, with expected wear and tear, but the press itself appears structurally sound. This item would likely date from the mid-20th century, possibly 1930s-1960s, a period when wooden racquets and their accompanying presses were common.