Velvet Rugby Cap
Penryn was one of the first places where rugby was played in Cornwall. It was allegedly introduced there in 1871 by a local watchmaker who had played for Blackheath in London. Made in Scotland, this black velvet cap with gold trim and tassel has the red letters P.R.C. embroidered on it for Penryn Rugby Club. It belonged to C. Abrams of Penryn and must be of similar date to his football cap dated 1921-22. Caps like these were first used to identify different teams in football and rugby with caps being awarded to players. Today the number of ‘caps’ shows how many times a player has played in international matches.
See the Cap at Penryn Museum