The Dayton Steel tennis racket was by no means the first steel tennis racket but it was a clear improvement on it's predecessors. Designed by William A. Larned (1872 - 1926; seven times champion of the U.S. Open), the Dayton Steel Racket proved to be quite popular with schools and tennis clubs for it's obvious durability.
"It is the same size and weight as an ordinary wooden racquet but offers one-third less air resistance and is for that reason easier to play with - especially in serving, and in back hand strokes."
Having endured much suffering as a result of spinal meningitis, William Larned did away with his life four years after this article appeared - he is pictured above during happier days using a conventional wooden racket.
