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Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Centennial Color Guard Uniforms, 1972, Textile1993-004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The collection was acquired by Special Collections and University Archives in June 1973.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Centennial Color Guard Uniforms was completed in July 2025.
The Centennial Color Guard Uniforms collection consists of four uniforms that were reproductions of the 1870s V.A.M.C. Cadet uniforms, 4 Centennial covers (kepi style caps), 3 special brass breast plates, and 2 black leather cartridge boxes with a block of wood.
The uniforms consist of a coatee and trousers both made of a grey blue wool. The coatee has gold V.P.I. buttons going down the front, as well as smaller V.P.I. buttons of the cuffs of the sleeves. Each shoulder has a black loop detail, held in place with a gold V.P.I. button. The collar has black stitching and is structured, with a small white plastic button on the back interior od the collar. There are two small black strips on the backside of the coatee near the bottom. The trousers have black metal buttons around the waist, and two thick black stripes down the sides of the pants.
Labels and condition on each set read:
Harmata Uniform- Trouser label: Harmata 29-38; coatee label: Harmata 37-29-18-14 1/2 (probably Dan Damian Harmata, class of 1972, Prince George, VA.) Both are in good condition, white stitching coming out in jacket lining.
Cioletti Uniform- Cioletti (32-40) on trousers label; Cioletti (39-32-19 (2) - 15 1/4) on coatee. Condition is good, grass stain on right leg of trousers.
Welch Carter Uniform- Trouser label: Welch (28 (2) - 37); coatee label: Carter (37-31-18-14 (2)). Possibly worn by James Paschal Welch, class of 1972, Pamplin City, VA. and James Christopher Carter, class of 1974, Titusville, FL. Condition is good, white stitching coming out in jacket lining, stitching out in trousers; stain on back of trousers.
Rene Fix Uniform- Trouser label: FIX (29-37) {Rene Fix, 1972 sophomore?} Condition is good, back of trousers unsewn at v in the waist.
The four caps are identitical, all made of a blue grey wool, similar to the uniforms. The bill of the cap is a black leather like material, with a black strap above it, fastened onto the hat with gold V.P.I. buttons. There is black stitching throughout the caps, and "VAMC" in yellow/gold stitching on the tops of the caps. Each cap has a black satin lining with a label that reads "100% WOOL Kay-Bee BRAND KUENZEL BROTHERS PHILA., PA. 19128." The condition of the caps is good.
The three gold breast plates are identical gold metal ovals. On the backs of the plates are four prongs. The condition is good, minor discoloration.
The two leather cartridge boxes are identical. Both are black in color with a gold "VAMC" printed on the front. THe back sides of the case has small white straps with safety pins. Inside of one box is a black of wood, it is assumed the other case likely would have also held a block of wood. Both are in good ccondition, minor wear of the weather near button clousures.
The guide to the Board of Centennial Color Guard Uniforms by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (