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Lot 1204
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← Sporting Memorabilia 22nd & 23rd May 2014

An original reel of 16mm. film ''The Master's Touch, a Lesson in Tennis'' (1955) of Pierre Etchebaster, the legendary real tennis world champion, i

Hammer Price:
£850
Estimated Price:

£300 - £500

An original reel of 16mm. film ''The Master's Touch, a Lesson in Tennis'' (1955) of Pierre Etchebaster, the legendary real tennis world champion, instructional film, black and white sound movie, on one reel, approx. 30 minutes, in the original tin with title label Pierre Etchebaster (1893-1980) is widely considered the greatest player in real tennis history. Born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France, he began by playing the Basque games of pelote. After WWI he became the French champion in main nues, pala and chistera, three varieties of pelota. In 1922 Etchebaster took up the game of real tennis for the first time, and became maitre paumier in Paris at the jeu de paume club. Despite losing to Fred Covey in 1927, Etchebaster returned to win the world championship in London in 1928. He emigrated to New York in 1930 where he was the head professional at the Racquet and Tennis Club. Etchebaster proceeded to dominate the sport. He successfully defended his title seven times, and was world champion for a record-breaking 26 years (1928-1954) until his retirement at the age of 60. It was around this time that this film, in which he demonstrates his techniques, was shot, in collaboration with the New York Racquet and Tennis Club. In 1978 Etchebaster was inducted into the International (Lawn) Tennis Hall of Fame.