Finely made silver model of a tilt-headed tennis racquet, probably American, circa 1880

Finely made silver model of a tilt-headed tennis racquet, probably American, circa 1880,a hemisphere either side of the 'stringing' forming a ball, three suspension rings around the head frame, an aperture to the lower section of the handle and two others at the butt of the handle, inscribed MARGRET JOYCE, 17cm., 6 3/4in. longMargret is the medieval form of the name Margaret, which became popular and was used again in the 19th century. An extensive world-wide search for this name revealed a Margret Joyce aged 11 in the census of Manitowoc County, Maple Grove Township, Wisconsin, in 1870, together with her six siblings including sisters Cathrine and Elizebeth. The style of the racquet would be consistent as a presentation piece in the early 1880 so a possibility of original ownership. Research material compiled by the seller is offered with the lot.