Very rare official Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) brightly coloured blue, orange & white advertising box (originally) containing half a dozen tennis balls made in 1931.

The box includes the L.T.A. logo and text stating that the balls are officially authorised for use in championships and tournaments. The box was manufactured by A.W. Phillips, Ltd. in Nuneaton, England

In 1883 Alfred William Phillips (1857-1919) pioneered the first hand stitched tennis ball in the world. They were made in England using his experience from the hatting industry.

He retired from the business in 1914 and a new limited company was formed.

The business continued to trade under the name A.W.Phillips Ltd from March 1914. In 1914 a new brand name for the tennis balls – Tuftex was created, the name the balls carry today. By 1970 A.W. Phillips manufactured one and a half million tennis balls per annum a third of which were exported to the United States.  At that time they employed 40 people. The business continues today.

The box states:

The Phillips LTA official ball has passed the rules required by Rule No 3 of the rules of Lawn Tennis and is officially authorised by the Lawn Tennis Association for use In Championships, Tournaments and Matches in Great Britain for the year 1931.

This is a rare legacy of tennis history. In good, used, vintage condition. Great for retail or general display.

Please note: this is for the advertising box only.

Measurements:

L 20.5cm x D 13.7cm x H 7cm