VICTOR Lawn Tennis Racket Presentation Set in Stunning Cherry CaseAwarded on June 16th, 1894This Presentation Tennis Racket Set was awarded to A. Preston Sherwood of the "Alpha Wheel Club"; the first place finisher of a ten-mile bicycle race held in Norwalk Connecticut on June 16th, 1894. The race was sponsored by the Overman Wheel Company, manufacturer of "Victor" bicycles, which were distributed nationwide by A. G. Spalding & Bros. Overman began manufacturing additional Sporting Goods in 1894 by offering "Victor" brand Tennis Rackets & Balls, Baseball Bats & Balls and Footballs - see image of the full-page advertisement that appeared in several issues of Life Magazine - the original editions of the following Life Magazines are included with this offer: July 12, 1894 (complete),& August 23, 1894 (missing last few pages). Sufficient evidence for establishing provenance relating to the beneficiary of this prize (A. Preston Sherwood) is furnished via a copy of an amusing 3-page article that appeared in the Evening Sentinel (So. Norwalk, CT) dated Monday, June 18, 1894. The Evening Sentinel was a daily newspaper published from 1887 to 1931. Mr. Sherman's name was never etched into the medallion that is attached to the presentation case - see image provided. Both rackets are meticulously hand-painted with gold lettering spelling out the word "Victor" on both sides of each wedge. The rackets lie perfectly flat and look to have the original gut strings strung in the style of the mid-1890s era, when they were made. There is very minor wear, even at the impact part of each racket. The wedges are secured on each side by brass screws. The weight of each racket is hand-written on the butt of the rackets - one saying "13 oz" and the other saying "13 1/4 oz".  Ash frames with (likely) walnut wedges. The handle facings are probably mahogany.The top side of cherry case has some scratches that barely detract from its beautiful grain and luster. The bottom side has several significant scratches - additional photos are available upon request. The case was once broken into as evidenced by the close-up image, but has been repaired and is now functional (with key included). The interior has grooves that hold the rackets securely in place as pictured.Approximate Racket DimensionsRacket 1 - 27.15" long x 9.4" wide  -   Racket 2: 27.25" long x 9" wideApproximate Case Dimensions37.5" x 10.5" x 2.25"*Please wait for your invoice before paying - invoice will include cost of shipping, insurance and signature confirmation.