Uniform, Sports

Object number2006.101.24 a-c

Manufacturer Kopf Brand Manufacturing Company, Inc.

MediumSilk; Fabric; Metal; Elastic; Plastic; Leather; Ink

Credit LineGift of Delvin Miller

DescriptionHarness racing uniform, also known as racing silks, consisting of jacket, pants, and cap. Jacket: Brown and gold silk. Six brown silk-covered metal buttons down front and one metal snap under collar. One proper left breast pocket. One hip pocket on each side. Each pocket has one brown silk-covered metal button and each cuff has three of the same only smaller. Brown fabric maker label inside collar at back center. Pants: White fabric with brown and gold stripe down exterior pant leg seam. Two white plastic buttons at waist for closure and metal zipper down front opening. Seven belt loops. One hip pocket on each side. Ankle-length with black button-in elastic stirrups. Legs are reinforced at top of inseam and on back of ankles. Cap: Brown and gold silk in alternating gores. Silk bow over brown silk-covered visor. Brown leather sweatband. White silk lining. DimensionsHeight x Width (a): 30.25 × 18.5 in. (76.8 × 47 cm) (Width is from shoulder seam to shoulder seam)
Length x Width (b): 41.25 × 15.5 in. (104.8 × 39.4 cm) (Width is at waist)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 5.5 × 8.125 × 10.25 in. (14 × 20.6 × 26 cm)
InscriptionsSweatband has handwritten in black ink at back center "L" or "7".
Marks(a)
Each button has inscribed maker's mark on reverse "DEFIANCE 36".

Brown fabric maker label inside collar at back center with gold text "KOPF / KOPF / BRAND / MFG. CO. / INC."
Historical NotesThis uniform was used by Delvin Miller during his harness racing career. Delvin Miller wore brown and gold colors to reflect the colors of R. J. Reynold's (tobacco/Camel cigarettes) for whom Miller raced during the 1930's. Delvin Miller was born in 1913 and raised on a farm in Washington, PA. He won his first race in 1929 at the Burgettstown Fair. In his career, he won a total of 2,435 races. His legendary stallion Adios sired 589 offspring, including Countess Adios. In 1990, Miller was honored as the only professional athlete to compete in eight decades. Six years later, Miller passed away at the age of 83.

Previous owner Delvin Miller (1913 - 1996)

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