1890's Horsman Tuxedo Wood Tennis Racket / Patent Stringing / Twine Wrapped Grip

Description

This is a very rare Horsman "Tuxedo Expert" wood tennis racket from the 1890's. This is the only example that I have seen in over 30 years of collecting & it has several characteristics that make it a very unique racquet. The most obvious is the patent stringing pattern that, according to the attached 1893 ad, gives it "immense spring to playing service". As you can see from the photo, the stringing pattern is much tighter at the top & bottom of the head.  The  handle, wooden butt cap & throat are made of polished mahogany & the 1890's convex wedge is laminated! Until a couple years ago, it was always assumed that laminated convex wedges were introduced in 1905 when the first patent for a laminated wedge was filed. We now know that Horsman experimented with it much earlier, although they never bothered to patent the  innovation. Perhaps the most unique  characteristic are the two screws that hold the wedge in place are made of actual silver rather than the usual steel. The final, almost never seen before trait, listed in the ad is the "twine wrapped handle", instead of the combed wood handle on virtually ever other 1890's racket made. It is hard to say if this is the original factory twine, but it does show obvious evidence of having been in play. The Horsman logo on the throat is a little scraped, but bright & entirely legible & the word "EXPERT" stamped into wood at the top of the head is bold & 100% readable. The frame itself is sound & absolutely straight with a small chip to the mahogany butt cap, which is very common. The strings are made of "Oriental Gut" with three vertical breaks & some fraying with intact trebling. However, the strings appear original & demonstrate the patent stringing very well. This racket would be a significant addition to any collection. Please email any questions. Additional insurance available at buyer's discretion. Thanks for looking.