Wightman Cup Tennis Memorabilia is always in demand and takes pride of place in many Tennis enthusiasts’ collections.
The Wightman Cup is remembered as a very competitive Tennis event which was played between teams from the USA and Great Britain. The competition specifically for female team players  has been contested since its inauguration 1923 through to 1989 when following a statement from the British Lawn Tennis Association it was suspended, the competition is the ladies answer to the Davis Cup and originated when Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman donated a sterling vase to the  United States Lawn Tennis Association to be played for as the prize between the two countries, Matches were played alternately during even numbered years in the UK and odd numbered years in the US, the matches of particular to collectors of Tennis Memorabilia would be the ones played at Wimbledon 1924 – 1972, Forest Hills Queens  New York  1923 – 1947. The competition was eventually suspended in 1990 primarily due the evident USA domination of the tournament. The previous year the US won its eleventh consecutive tournament in Williamsburg six of eleven series were won 7-0. The total figures are USA 51 wins to GB 10.
The Tournament which comprised of five singles and two doubles matches was held over three days.
A new system was suggested for a restart of the series in 1991 this would have involved introducing European players to the tournament who would join Britain in their quest against USA; however this never came to be.
A match of significant interest to collectors of Wightman Cup tennis Memorabilia is the final of the 1960 tournament when Britain’s Shirley Brasher with partner Christine Truman defeated the American pair Janet Hopps and Dorothy Knode, I am lucky to be in possession of the official hand signed match programme
Wimbledon Champion Virginia Wade (GB) played 21 times between 1965 – 1985 whilst the ever popular player Chris Evert holds the record for the USA playing 13 times, so many of these were classic contests and collectables from these memorable times will always sought after. In 1978 Britain won 4-3 against USA the hot favourites to win; obviously collectables from this event would make a great memento.
A revival of Wightman Cup Series now seems improbable making tennis memorabilia associated with the series even more collectable.
Tony Selby
Cricketcollectables.net