Historical information

Dunlop first entered into the tennis sports equipment market in 1923 with Dunlop Tennis balls. They also produced tennis shoes and by 1932 Dunlop was manufacturing 2 million pairs a year. The Dunlop Maxply Tennis racquet was first produced in 1932 and dominated the wooden racquet market for the next 50 years. This racquet was made from a mix of nine different woods. The Maxply was favoured by legendary tennis players including Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Lew Hoad and Rod Laver who was using a Dunlop Maxply when he won all four Grand Slam tournaments in a row, something he achieved in 1962 and 1969.
Sport activities including tennis have always an important community pursuit in Wodonga and district. This racquet was used in competition at the Talgarno Tennis club in the 1960s and 1970s.

Significance

This item is significant because it represents a popular community activity and a successful manufacturer in Australia.

Physical description

A vintage wooden tennis racquet with a leather hand grip. It features coloured decals including the brand name added to the racquet head and the handle. There is also an outline mao of Australia. The frame is also painted.

Inscriptions & markings

On racquet frame: MAXPLY DUNLOP JUNIOR
On handle: Your Serve