Historical information

This tennis racquet was used by Geoffrey Alexander, son of local property developer, C. T. Alexander. It was probably used in the 1920s and 1930s when he was an Engineering Uni student and later working in Melbourne. His father had built a tennis court at their family home at Belgrave. Geoffrey lived most of his life at Belgrave which is where his daughter Karen Alexander grew up. Karen donated this racquet.
Hedley's was a successful local manufacturer based in inner Melbourne and this 'Finalist' model is featured in an article in The Argus Nov 19, 1938, which detailed the racquet making process at the Hedley factory.Karen Alexander has donated several items both agricultural and domestic from the family farm in Emerald which was bought by Karen's grandfather C. T. Alexander in early 1920s. Geoffrey was born in 1908.

Physical description

Tennis racquet. Hedley Brand - 'Finalist' model. 1930s. Owned by Belgrave resident, Geoffrey Alexander.

Inscriptions & markings

On front: ' Finalist / Centre Court / A Hedley Product'
There is also a logo of a trophy cup encircled by laurel.
Below this is a star - inside the star: 'Hedley's for quality'.
On back: 'Speed Model / Hedley's Pty. Ltd.'