Donnay Allwood (Björn Borg Era) — Value, History & Identification

Era: 1970s
Country: Belgium
Manufacturer: Donnay
Construction: Laminated wood
Weight: ~370 g (era-typical, strung)
Category: Wood control racket
Notable associations: Björn Borg (Donnay sponsored him from 1975 to 1983)
Collector focus: Player association · originality · condition

Iconic Status

One of the most recognizable wooden racquets of the 1970s, synonymous with precision and control.

History

Dominated the tennis scene in the 1970s, most famously used by Björn Borg at Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Borg’s frames were laminated wood, built to his own specifications of weight, length, balance and wood quality.

The Bancroft Twist

Borg had a second contract, with Bancroft: worldwide from 1977 to 1979 and in the United States only from 1980. According to the Tennis Museum (GB), he preferred the Donnay Borg Pro, so Donnays were painted to look like Bancrofts. That means a racket carrying a Bancroft name may be a Donnay underneath, and a collector should ask which one they are looking at. See the Bancroft Borg profile and Four Rackets That Weren’t What They Looked Like.

Where It Won

• Borg and Connors: wood against steel, 15–8 to Borg. Read Borg and Connors.
• Borg and McEnroe: the 1980 and 1981 Wimbledon finals, played with a white ball. Read Borg and McEnroe.

Collectibility and Value

€50–€120 used, €100–€180 excellent/cover, exceptional up to ~€200. Available on eBay, Mercari, Barnebys, Catawiki. Prices are indicative estimates.

What to Check Before Buying

• Whether it is a Donnay or a Donnay painted as another brand, and whether the seller can explain it.
• Straight frame with no warping, and no cracks near the throat.
• Original varnish, decals and grip.
• Provenance for any “Borg” claim.

Technical Notes

Predictable balance, ideal for topspin-heavy baseline play and precise net approaches.

Sources & research note: specifications and prices are period-typical estimates; individual examples vary. Player associations are listed only where documented.

This racket is part of Court Privée’s 1970s collection — see the full lineup: Rackets from the 70s.