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Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Tommy Vile was a rugby hero. He was awarded his first cap for Wales in 1908 against England. Wales beat England 28 points to 18.
Rugby cap of dark red silk velvet; crown constructed from six triangular sections (seams covered with narrow metal braid). Centre: domed button covered with metal purl. Metal thread cord stitched down onto the cap in the shape of a loop (proper left side beside the button). At the end of the cord is a metal purl tassle. Domed button and tassle both have wooden cores. Centre front has raised metal thread embroidery: Prince of Wales Plumes with scroll reading 'ICH DIEN' on blue silk ground. '1908' is embroidered onto peak (metal thread). Lower edge of cap is trimmed with metal braid (w: 1.4cm), lower edge of peak is trimmed with narrow braid (same as on crown). Peak stiffened (card?). Cap is lined with copper coloured twill fabric (silk warp, cotton weft, warp-faced fabric), 6 triangular sections stitched together. Maker's label machine stitched to lining. Player's name is written on this label in blue ink: 'T H VILE'. Number '6 7/8' handwritten in black ink beside name.
