Skip to main content

Cottrell Family Collection

 Collection
Identifier: Textile-1994-001

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a cape, sabre, and pipe.

The cape is made of wool/wool felt and is navy blue with a red lining. Across the chest there are black cord frogs that connect on the exterior. At the collar there are two metal hooks. Each side has what appears to be a pocket, only after looking closer do you realize the “pockets” are holes to the inside of the cape. One label reads "Mr. [Cottrell G. (?)], Date ________, 40-39-[14 1/2]." The second label reads "Virginia Polytechnic Institute Uniform Department, VB Kelsey Supt." The cape is in poor condition, with holes in lining and exterior material, some have been sewn up, and the lining is deteriorating in places.

The sabre is made of a silver toned metal, with a metal sheath, and a brown leather strap. The handle of the sabre is made of metal with a black plastic grip and a gold cord hanging of off it. The sabre has the name "Ben Cottrell" engraved on it, as well as additional patterns surrounding it. The condition is good, some signs of ware on the leather strap and minor imperfections on the metal.

The pipe is made of black plastic, metal, and wood. On the front of the wooden part of the pipe it reads "VPI 22." On the metal part of the pipe it reads "MADE IN USA" on one side and " STERLING SILVER" on the other. On the side of the wooden part it also reads "DERBY' with a triangle above it. The pipe is in fair condition, residue on the mouth piece and inside the pipe is present. There is a crack in the wood on side of pipe. The pipe belonged to Jim D. Cottrell, who graduated from VPI in 1922.

Dates

  • c. 1916-1922

Language of Materials

The materials in this collection are in English.

Condition Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Biographical Note

Jim D. Cottrell graduated from Virginia Tech in 1922 with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering. He worked at Cottrell Engineering Corporation, founded in 1928, and later renamed Cottrell Contracting Corporation.

His brother Benjamin Cottrell graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1916 with a bachelors in Civil Engineering. He spent most of his life working in railroad and highway development in South America. He was a member of the VPI Alumni Century Club. Cottrell died in 1972.

Extent

3.1 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Abstract

This collection consists of a cape, sabre, and pipe.

The cape is made of wool/wool felt and is navy blue with a red lining. Across the chest there are black cord frogs that connect on the exterior. At the collar there are two metal hooks. Each side has what appears to be a pocket, only after looking closer do you realize the “pockets” are holes to the inside of the cape. One label reads "Mr. [Cottrell G. (?)], Date ________, 40-39-[14 1/2]." The second label reads "Virginia Polytechnic Institute Uniform Department, VB Kelsey Supt." The cape is in poor condition, with holes in lining and exterior material, some have been sewn up, and the lining is deteriorating in places.

The sabre is made of a silver toned metal, with a metal sheath, and a brown leather strap. The handle of the sabre is made of metal with a black plastic grip and a gold cord hanging of off it. The sabre has the name "Ben Cottrell" engraved on it, as well as additional patterns surrounding it. The condition is good, some signs of ware on the leather strap and minor imperfections on the metal.

The pipe is made of black plastic, metal, and wood. On the front of the wooden part of the pipe it reads "VPI 22." On the metal part of the pipe it reads "MADE IN USA" on one side and " STERLING SILVER" on the other. On the side of the wooden part it also reads "DERBY' with a triangle above it. The pipe is in fair condition, residue on the mouth piece and inside the pipe is present. There is a crack in the wood on side of pipe. The pipe belonged to Jim D. Cottrell, who graduated from VPI in 1922.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives in December 1986.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Cottrell Family Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Cottrell Family Collection was completed in June 2025. Preliminary description was completed in 2016.

Title
Cottrell Family Collection, c. 1916-1922
Status
Completed
Author
Aly Diemel, Volunteer, and Special Collections and University Archives Staff
Date
2025 (CC0 1.0)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308