An original red painted pine Sphairistike box made by French and Co., 46 Churton St. London, Major Walter Wingfield’s game of Sphairistike, or Lawn

An original red painted pine Sphairistike box made by French and Co., 46 Churton St. London, Major Walter Wingfield’s game of Sphairistike, or Lawn Tennis, burst onto the social scene in 1874 and this box was found with an estate notice attached for 1876. Inside the box (was also found with) a very long steam-tarred net (41 by3+ft), very similar dimensions to those detailed in a late 1870s brochure produced by Major Wingfield. Some boxes were made in larger dimensions and included more balls and equipment. The famous yellow pictorial label on the lid has some scratches and a small amount of loss but the internal Sphairistike label and inventory are in very good condition. A split running through the lid has been professionally repaired. 46i y 16.5 by 6.5in.