History of tennis scores, part II

[doriancito]

Ok, we got to conclusions, the first one that in the old times the perosn who won the first point got 15 pounds or what ever the currency was, then 30, and then 40 and they didnt go any further because it was a lot.
Second conclusion was the used the time, as 15,30 and 45 but it got shortened to 40. I would like to know now, why did they use the time quarters ?

 

[slice bh compliment]

Did someone say History of The World Part II? I have been waiting for this since the early 80s! Mel Brooks did it? Jews in Space...HItler on ice? Tourquemada? You can't talk him outta anything!

But seriously..
I had not heard the money conclusion before. I think it is suspect.

I have seen a sketch from the 19th century in France. It had a little kid on each side with a clock. The kid would move the minute hand (or both hands) to 15, 30, then 45 when the player(s) on his/her side scored a point. This was, in effect, a scoreboard. I did not noticed how they kept track of games -- probably just a number of sticks....or maybe the hour hand.

To me, the time quarters thing makes total sense. You ought to do a search for vintage European sketches and paintings about tennis. I think it would be worthwhile for your paper for school.