RARE VTG NOS New with Tags Wilson Prostaff Mid 85 St. Vincent Sampras 4 1/4 JMQ

  
VINCENT (JMQ butt cap code). GRAB THIS EXTREMELY RARE COLLECTIBLE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!

This is THE "HOLY GRAIL" of Retail Racquet Collectibles. For sale is a vintage, BRAND NEW, New Old Stock (NOS), New with Tag (NWT), Wilson Prostaff Original Midsize 85 - Made in ST. VINCENT, JMQ butt cap code. This is widely considered as the HOLY GRAIL of retail tennis racquet collectibles. The grip size is 4 1/4 L2.

This version of the St. Vincent is a hard to find, e. Arly-to-mid production version, meaning it never came with factory plastic over the grip such as the late-production versions. This collectible also features a rare, Wilson advertisement/hang tag featuring Stefan Edberg.

This makes for a nice complement for the racquet. Below is an excerpt from Tennis Warehouse regarding the The St. This ex-Wilson factory would likely be a footnote in the history of racquet production were it not for Pete Sampras. It has become common knowledge among Sampras fans and ProStaff officianados that Pete only plays with racquets that were made in St. Vincent, a Carribean island in the Grenadines.

Vincent was originally chosen as a manufacturing site by a group of Wilson VPs who were touring the Carribean region, searching for a suitable factory site. If you've spent a winter in Wilson's hometown of Chicago, you wouldn't need to ask. Vincent was already manufacturing clothing, gloves, etc. In 1983, Wilson changed it into a manufacturing house and it produced a variety of models, including the ProStaff Original. When we started, there were 50-60 workers finishing and assembling racquets.

When the factory closed in mid-1991, there were over 450 direct laborers manufacturing, finishing and assembling Wilson racquets. Ken responds, it was a combination of factors. One difference was that the workers had no previous experience and thus had no bad habits. We trained them how we wanted racquets made and they followed our instructions to a tee.

They were loyal, hard workers and competed against each other for the lowest number of rejected racquets, keeping work areas neat, etc. As a result, our reject rate was close to zero. Also, each frame was bar-coded and tracked from start to finish through the manufacturing process. Consequently, if a racquet was too heavy, we could determine where the error originated.

This resulted in very high quality control. David Price, former Engineering Manager at the St.

We had huge amounts of statistical data from measuring raw materials and racquets up to 20 times during the manufacturing process. Our quality control was second to none in the industry at that time.

" Rich Janes, a former colleague of Sherman and ex-Wilson engineer adds, "there was also the molds. Over time, they became worn and a little loose and they wouldn't close completely. As a result the ProStaff Original came out at 18mm, instead of 17mm. Nobody at Wilson can confirm this but it adds to the St. Whatever the real reasons, a few top players just prefer the feel of ProStaffs manufactured in St.

Who's gonna argue with Pete Sampras? This racquet is brand new, never used and unstrung, i. This frame still comes with its original Wilson advertisement tag and Fairway by Balmforth hang tag! As you know, this racquet is difficult to find in near new condition.

Near mint to mint condition versions of this St. Vincent garner a premium and are highly sought after collectibles. However, this version for sale is even more difficult to find given the fact that this racquet is pristine, i. It is definitely a "museum-worthy" piece.

This is an absolutely rare collectible with original accoutrement intact, beautifully and immaculately preserved in history! Not much more has to be said about this racquet. You do not have to be considered a preeminent racquet collector to understand this frame is truly the holy grail of all racquet collectibles. So don't miss out on this great chance to add this extremely rare collectible to your collection. An opportunity such as this one doesn't come along often!

Nsurance up to the value of the item is included. This is an as-is sale. The item "RARE VTG NOS New with Tags Wilson Prostaff Mid 85 St. Vincent Sampras 4 1/4 JMQ" is in sale since Saturday, June 22, 2019. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Tennis & Racquet Sports\Tennis\Racquets".

The seller is "888company" and is located in Los Angeles, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Grip Size: 4 1/4
• Brand: Wilson