Hat Brass?

[LtRusell]

I'm from FL and have recently seen a certain re-enactment group wearing a six pointed star on their covers. I have found a little, but not much evidence of it as far as what I have seen of Florida troops. Which are few and far between.

I have found the brass though and wanted to see what you all think.

Real, bunk, or half and half?

http://civilwarbuckles.com/pages/pinsSeals.html

(It's about 2/3rds way down the page. And no, I'm not plugging the page either.)

 

[mofederal]

It is probable that they are representing Texas troops. Especially if they are Confederates. If Union Army, the 12th Corps.

 

[LtRusell]

Texas used a five pointed star, if I don't miss my guess. The Lone Star. "Florida's" is/was/might have been very close to the star used in the Israeli flag. I've seen the brass on not all, but a few Kepis and slouch hats.

It doesn't matter either way in my impression but it did capture my interest. Sort of like Florida buttons (which I have seen a sutler carry) to Florida buckles that might be the most bogus thing I have ever seen. Thing is, due to variation in militia vs. hometown raised units, to those mustered in as soon as possible it's very hard to tell what is what down here. It's one of the few states I have seen where a photograph was taken of a soldier in shirt sleeves with an M1842.

'Tis hot here.

I'm going to find out and post more. Thanks for your response. I doubted anyone would care.

 

[LtRusell]

So I was at the library today and picked up a slim book on the Smithsonian's collection of ACW relics. They have some fine well preserved uniforms, weapons... and buttons. I got to a part, just breezing through as I'm not going to sit at the library and read. I mean who does that?

There it was, the six pointed Florida star, on a button no less. The F had been worn down but it did read "LORIDA". I used powers of deduction and came to the conclusion that there was at least for while, hat brass and buttons.

Mystery solved. I learned something, and feel a little dumb too. I can take that. Best call the sutler...

 

[captaindrew]

Some of our guys wear a 6 point star hat pin but only because we have a very handy guy in our company who makes most of his own uniforms and gear made a bunch of them a while back and gave everybody one and they looked pretty cool and star pins and decorations were around all over. Myself I don't wear any Florida specific buttons, brass, or buckles for one I don't think there was much Fl. specific stuff. Florida didn't have any clothing depots like the other states and relied on getting what they could from other state's depots. Our company, 8th Fl. was an ANV unit and there's pretty good info the ANV Florida brigade units, 2nd 5th and 8th Fl. were pretty well supplied by the Richmond Depot so I go that way with my impression. Another reason is I fall in with a couple different companies during the year so I stay away from any state stuff.I stick with I buttons and a frame buckle, no hat brass.

 

[LtRusell]

As always great historical as well as points on impression. Much obliged. Feel free to say hello

 

[captaindrew]

Hey @LtRusell , are you going to be out to join us soon? We have some stuff coming up that I don't think is too far from you.

 

[LtRusell]

Working on it. It's slow going. I'm sure you know. As of right now money is tight. I did order a plain shell jacket. Not jean wool, but that is in the cards. I will try to make it out just to watch, get a feel for it. Observation helps, so as much as possible for the moment.

 

[captaindrew]

Either way come out and say hi and check it out. If you want to participate I'm sure we could put some loaner stuff together for you.

 

[LtRusell]

Thanks much. I will come see some events. I'm very serious about this. I doubt that your quartermaster could come up with a jacket to fit me. I'm line backer sized. 6'2, or 6'2 and 1/2 if wanna get all technical. Norse extraction. A large man if you will.

 

[LtRusell]

I would be sticking out like a sore thumb in the 1860s. Barnum would hire me. I'da had it made, lol

 

[captaindrew]

You won't stand out in our crowd, I'm no petite flower myself. We have all shapes and sizes and some young guys to old farts. Come out and see for yourself. And there's surely no stitch counters, don't think you have to be perfect to get started. Once you get your jacket hat and pants there's plenty of extra rifles and leathers floating around. Look forward to seeing you.

 

[LtRusell]

Hey, that sounds good to me. Might be a few months, but that is an offer I cannot refuse. To be perfectly honest I was fearing stitch counting. I know there are few units out there are frightening in that way. As you know I'm just starting out so that is great relief.

It won't be too much longer I don't think. I have a large sum of money, not 'uge, but pretty big, and if it's enough I should be totally outfitted in a few months. With the hat here, and jacket on the way I'm not making bad time.

I have really given thought to your comments about keeping things plain as possible. Makes a lot of sense.