Jefferson Davis Hardee Hat Emblem?

[Wraith_3]

This hat pin is from my dad's collection and I wanted to verify whether it's authentic. It seems very thin for something from this period, but I'm faaaaaar from an expert on this stuff.

 

[Package4]

This hat pin is from my dad's collection and I wanted to verify whether it's authentic. It seems very thin for something from this period, but I'm faaaaaar from an expert on this stuff.

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Looks to be right, this appears to be from an earlier period and made for the M1851 and M1854 shako. The two loops would hold the Pom Pom or plume in place. A Hardee hat device typically had a hook soldered towards the bottom. These are very thin pieces of stamped brass.

 

[RedRover]

Here's one...

 

[Package4]

This hat pin is from my dad's collection and I wanted to verify whether it's authentic. It seems very thin for something from this period, but I'm faaaaaar from an expert on this stuff.

View attachment 459285
View attachment 459286

After looking at this again, there are some anomalies that are not consistent with originals. The wires should be brass and the solder is much more professionally done, though there were quite a few contractors who stamped these. Reproductions are typically a two wire deal and I have yet to see a reproduction with loops, though it wouldn't be difficult for someone to do with little effort.

 

[Salterr]

You're correct, it's the enlisted man's version. Officers had embroidered ones. These are insanely thin to begin with, most that are dug rarely are whole. They should have 2 thin brass loops and a hook on the bottom which is used to flip up the brim of the hat. If it's for a hardee hat. No bottom hook for the shako. There are a few variations in the face and some don't have the loop on the bottom but I'm not sold on these loops looking like stainless steel and how the solder hasn't oxidized, it's still shiny. Most reproductions are overly yellow and lack detail, they have twist tie fasteners or stick pins soldered on but a quick search turns up "the authentic campaigner" that makes them with thin brass loop and the bottom hook. Very convincing. I'd venture to say it's a surplus piece with newly added loops. I don't believe I've seen a real one with loops that are bent so that they have "legs" either.

 

[Wraith_3]

Thanks for the info! I actually asked because of the solder, but I'm wondering if the solder is not original, if the emblem is and it was repaired at a later point? I wanted to be sure before I list it because I don't want anyone questioning that I'm trying to pass repros off or anything.

 

[Salterr]

Thanks for the info! I actually asked because of the solder, but I'm wondering if the solder is not original, if the emblem is and it was repaired at a later point? I wanted to be sure before I list it because I don't want anyone questioning that I'm trying to pass repros off or anything.

It was most likely made that way and is not a repair. Like we mentioned these are paper thin and easily break so I doubt the hooks would break before the face especially being non dug. Most dug ones the loops are far gone. My opinion leans to it being a surplus bannerman piece that just has the wrong attachments on it or should I say not period correct. That's my take on it. I hope that helps

 

[Wraith_3]

Yes that helps. I'm trying to figure out how to to word the listing though. I guess I'll list it as original and say it might have been surplus.