The Piece

A handsome vintage Davis Imperial Deluxe wooden tennis racquet with its original-style Zephyr metal racquet press/brace still attached. The racquet features a warm laminated wood frame, decorative black and gold detailing, red-toned strings, a leather-wrapped grip, and bold Imperial Deluxe marking near the throat.

The attached silver-tone Zephyr brace gives the piece extra sculptural appeal while also reflecting how wooden racquets were stored and protected before modern composite frames took over and ruined the romance of sporting goods. This piece has strong decorative presence for a study, game room, country club-inspired interior, sports collection, or vintage wall display.

Design & Construction

The racquet is made with a laminated wood frame and traditional strung head. The face retains decorative painted detailing around the shoulders and throat, including black accent panels, gold-toned patterning, and the Imperial Deluxe name. The handle is wrapped in dark aged leather or leatherette grip material with visible wear from use.

The metal cross brace is marked Zephyr and was designed to help maintain the shape of the wooden racquet head while stored. These braces were common with wood racquets, helping reduce warping and frame distortion. The press also gives the piece a more complete collector’s look, because apparently even tennis racquets once had posture support.

Based on the design, graphics, wood construction, and comparable Davis Imperial Deluxe examples, this piece is best dated to circa 1960s–1970s. Comparable auction and resale listings identify the Davis Imperial Deluxe with Zephyr brace as a vintage wooden tennis racquet from this general period. (eBay)

History & Provenance

Wooden tennis racquets dominated the sport before metal and composite racquets became standard in the later 20th century. Models like this Davis Imperial Deluxe represent the final era of traditional wood racquet craftsmanship, when sporting equipment still had a warm, architectural quality and could double as wall decor without trying so hard.

The Zephyr racquet press adds to the authenticity and display value. Presses were used to protect the frame’s shape during storage, especially because wood racquets could warp from humidity, temperature changes, or long-term pressure.

Today, vintage wooden racquets are popular for sports memorabilia displays, clubhouse decor, game rooms, lake houses, libraries, and layered masculine interiors. This example has especially good visual appeal because the decorative frame graphics and metal brace are still present.

Condition

Vintage condition with visible wear consistent with age and use. The wooden frame shows scuffs, finish wear, surface marks, and patina. The painted graphics show areas of rubbing and age-related wear. The leather-wrapped grip has visible darkening, wear, and surface cracking. Strings appear intact from the photos, though tension and playability have not been tested. Zephyr metal racquet press is present with age-related wear and oxidation. Best suited for display, collection, or decorative use rather than active play.

Product Details

Why This Belongs in Your Home

This Davis Imperial Deluxe racquet brings instant vintage sporting character. The warm wood frame, old leather grip, intact strings, decorative graphics, and Zephyr metal press make it far more visually interesting than a lonely modern racquet abandoned in a garage like a failed New Year’s resolution.

Style it on a gallery wall, in a library, guest room, game room, clubhouse-inspired space, or layered with other vintage sporting pieces. It has the right mix of age, texture, nostalgia, and graphic shape to feel collected rather than kitschy.