Does a local business exist that can restore/repair damaged military hat? (Virginia Beach: apartment)

[Forehead]

Hey all, figured I'd put this out there. Does anyone know a reputable business that can restore a hat?

The background on this is unfortunately very sad. About four months ago, my wife's grandparents were both killed when their condo complex in Virginia Beach caught on fire; they didn't make it out. They were 83, born on the exact same day and year on opposite coasts, and married 61 years at the time of their passing.

Now to my actual question, I just felt like I had to mention my admiration for them before moving on. The grandfather was a retired captain from the Coast Guard, and of the few things salvaged from their apartment, one of them was his his service uniform hat. It was soaked through from the sprinkler systems and developed mold during transport (it was kept in a plastic bag) and is infused with a smoke smell from the fire.

My wife and I would like to frame this along with a picture of him in uniform, but in its current state, it just wouldn't seem right. Currently, it occupies a spot on one of our kitchen tables away from the kids. My question is, can this be salvaged? Beyond the smoke and mold, the hat itself escaped any physical damage. Can anyone recommend someone to assist us? Due to the sentimentality involved, I don't want to take this to any old neighborhood dry cleaner and take my chances, nor do I know if they can even help.

Thanks in advance.

[LVMYDACH]

You may want to give this restoration company that is located in Sterling a call to see if they may be able to help you www.restorationnorthernvirginia.com

They indicate on the company web page under Fire Damage/Contents Cleaning that they can restore clothing, heirlooms etc. after a fire. If they cannot restore the hat it's possible they can recommend a company in the area that can help you.

[LynchburgLover]

That's really sweet.

Do you have any neighbors who are in the military? Maybe they could refer you to the "uniform" department and you could ask for suggestions of cleaners. But Lvmydach's suggestion is probably best.

Good luck.

[bmwguydc]

You may want to contact a specialist textile conservation expert through the American Institute of Conservation. AIC - The American Institute for Conservation There are experts who are skilled at the disaster recovery, and could likely give you their best opinion as to what to do, though they may not be local.

A local company that may also be a resource to you would be Textile Conservation Services. Home :: Textile Conservation Services

In New York, I would also recommend contacting the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt to see if you could track down a recommendation of a conservator for the type of textile and damage.

Similarly, a call to Fashion Institute of Technology or Parsons School of Design may get you some recommendations from professors/conservators.

Also, the Metropolitan Museum of Art may be able to help you find a good conservator, or a recommendation as to where to look.


Best of luck with your project, and I am sincerely sorry for your wife's tragic loss. It sounds like a lovely heirloom piece that you have planned, and I do think that you can have it restored back from disaster, if not to perfect condition, close to perfect.

[michgc]

No suggestions, but my condolences to your wife and family.