£2,600
An Ayres Oxford and Cambridge Lawn Tennis Box 1875/6, the pine box decorated with the light blue and dark blue stripes indicating Cambridge and Oxford respectively, the hinged lid sports a bright label on the inside. Measuring 41 inches x 20 inches x 14 inches, (lacking small end section to the lid) brass carrying handles to the sides.
Similar in design to its sister box the Army and Navy Tennis equipment box the label at first site appears to be a single lithograph but there are in fact separate labels. This allowed updates for further editions as the rules were changing rapidly. The central image of a tennis match shows four players on an hourglass court with high poles and nets. To the right the rules show the poles at seven feet and the net at five feet. Rules for doubles and singles also include handicapping. Further to right the contents describe early equipment including India rubber balls. To the left confirmation of the rules from 1875 is accompanied by a diagram of the dimensions showing how to erect the court.
Interestingly there are three holes in the bottom of the box, these allow for a press to sit flat and secure.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
27.6% inc VAT*
Flat Fee Registration
24.00% inc VAT*
