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VPI Hat

 Collection
Identifier: Textile-2021-004

Scope and Content

The hat is made of a black fabric with a small black leather bill. On the top of the hat is a structured circle, while the rest is unstructured. On both sides of the cap are two small black grommet holes. On the front of the hat above the bill there are two guns embroidered in gold thread with "V.P.I" above them. Below the embroidery, attached right above the bill are two gold cords, attached on either side of the cap with gold colored buttons. On each end of the cords is a thick braided loop that holds the two cords together. The buttons have the VPI seal along with "V.P.I" above it. There is a gold trim of fabric where the cap of the hat meets the bill. There are two lines of stitching that go around the entirety of the cap. The interior of the hat has a brown leather band around the edges, with a small red ribbon at the back of the interior. Stamped onto the side of the brown leather lining is "VPI" in a stacked logo. Above the red ribbon is a small tag that reads "18." There is gold stitching in an overlapping pattern. In the center of the stitching is a printed label in silver. The label reads "THE M.C. LILLEY & CO. COLUMBUS OHIO." The logo is surrounded by a wreath pattern. The hat is in good condition. Some signs of wear on the leather bill of the hat and interior lining.

Dates

  • c.1895-1896

Language of Materials

The material in this collection is 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.

Extent

0.2 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Abstract

The hat is made of a black fabric with a small black leather bill. On the top of the hat is a structured circle, while the rest is unstructured. On both sides of the cap are two small black grommet holes. On the front of the hat above the bill there are two guns embroidered in gold thread with "V.P.I" above them. Below the embroidery, attached right above the bill are two gold cords, attached on either side of the cap with gold colored buttons. The buttons have the VPI seal along with "V.P.I" above it.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives in 2021.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Board of VPI Hat 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 VPI Hat was completed in June 2025. Preliminary description was completed in 2021.

Title
VPI Hat, c. 1895-1896
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