Cadet Uniform Hardware and Insignia

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Cadet Uniform Hardware and Insignia, c.1877-1951, Textile-2025-004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1.0 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
Various Hardware and Insignias relating to Cadet Uniforms.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Cadet Uniform Hardware and Insignia, c.1877-1951, Textile-2025-004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Cadet Uniform Hardware and Insignia collection consists of various of hardware and insignias.

Five identicial gold V.A.M.C. buttons belonged to Frank H. Terry and are from 1877-1879. In the center of the buttons is the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College seal. Curving around the edges of the buttons is the text "VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE." The buttons are in good condition, minimal signs of age.

Thirteen V.P.I. buttons from a Corp Cadet overcoat are from c.1926-1930 and belonged to William Scott Russell (class of 1930.) These buttons are all identical and include the V.P.I. logo with "UT PROISM" below it and "V.P.I." above it. The back of the buttons reads "WM ROWLAND PHILA." The buttons are in good condition, some signs of age/discoloration and threads attached to the backs of some buttons.

Eighteen V.P.I. Cadet buttons from c.1948 belonged to Herman James Duke (1929-1952.) Ten of the buttons are small and gold with the V.P.I. logo in the center and "UT PROISM" below it and "V.P.I." above it. There are eight larger buttons that are also gold with the same design as the smaller buttons. The back of the buttons read "MS MEYERS INC NEW YORK." All buttons are in good condition, minimal signs of age, some discoloration.

The VVTC/Corps bars and ranks includes twenty-four patches that would go onto uniforms. Patches have been labeled with their rank meaning. There are also four VPI caps, each with a different colored sitich on the rim of the cap. The stitch colors as are followed: light blue, white, red, red and white. A small piece of paper titled "List of the Guard is also in this box and has multiple hand written names and signatures.

Bronze VPI insignia for belt buckle has the VPI seal embossed on the front, surrounded by laurel wreaths.

Singe gold VAMC logo button.

Single gold V.P.I. button with the V.A.M.C. seal.

Small bronze button inscribed with intertwined letters "VPI", and there is a brown thread attached.

Bronze belt buckle with stacked "VT" logo, with "Virginia Tech" underneath, formerly belonged to Carl Landes, Class of 1951.

Biographical / historical:

Frank H. Terry (d. 1939) graduated from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1879. His son Arthur Palfrey Terry married Laura Payne Terry.

William Scott Russell graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Insitiute in 1930 with a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering. He later went on to work at Eastern Division Rish Equipment Co. in Roanoke, VA.

Herman James Duke lived from 1929-1952 and served in U.S. Navy.

Carl Landes was a member of the VPI Class of 1951.

Source:

"Herman J. Duke II." Find a Grave. Accessed June 18, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63966534/herman_j-duke

Acquisition information:
This collection was acquired by the Special Collections and University Archive between 2017 and 2025.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Cadet Uniform Hardware and Insignia was completed in June 2025.