Beret
Object number2015.29.1
OriginFrance
MediumWool/Felt/Satin/Fabric/Metal/Plastic
Credit LineGift of Women's Overseas Service League
DescriptionWomen's Overseas Service League (WOSL) beret or cap. Round light blue felt beret with felt nib on top at center. Metal hat pin with round gray plastic head pinned through crown. Round blue embroidered yellow patch sewn on front of cap with organization's name and symbol. Interior is lined with striped blue, red, gold, green, gray, and white woven satin with gold maker's mark at center.Dimensions10 x 0.5 x 9.875 in. (25.4 x 1.3 x 25.1 cm)InscriptionsRound yellow patch sewn on front of cap with blue embroidered text around perimeter text "WOMEN'S OVERSEAS SERVICE LEAGUE".
MarksInterior has gold maker's mark at center with text "Beret Basque / IMPORTED FROM FRANCE / 100% WOOL / [logo] / De Luxe / WPL 10888".
Historical NotesWomen’s Overseas League cap. Received with the Pittsburgh Unit of the Women’s Overseas League papers and photographs. The League started in 1919 when Pittsburgh women who had served overseas during WWI had a luncheon at the Twentieth Century Club in Oakland and decided to form an organization dedicated to the local women who had served overseas in various capacities. The group called themselves the Association of Overseas “Y” Women and the YMCA sponsored the group. They joined with the national organization when it formed in 1921 and changed their name to conform with this group. The group continued to extend membership to woman who served in later wars. They cared for woman veterans and also performed welfare work during peacetime.
Related institution
Women's Overseas Service League
Related institution
Young Women’s Christian Association
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