Solid silver star

[Jonl51]

Certainly not a hat pin, too heavy for the period and the prongs too thick. Stars were also not emblematic of a particular state per se but were very popular with pre and war date militia.

I would suspect your star has nothing to do with the war, but a more contemporary connection to the period of the weapon. Just my HO

Agree, It did not look like the hat pins I researched. Thanks!

 

[Pollaco]

The State of Texas used to use the "star brand" on their horses at state penitentiaries. Could the Star possibly be from a prison rifle from one of the "high riders" watching over a hoe squad? A field force weapon in other words. Just a stab at another probability.

 

[Jonl51]

The State of Texas used to use the "star brand" on their horses at state penitentiaries. Could the Star possibly be from a prison rifle from one of the "high riders" watching over a hoe squad? A field force weapon in other words. Just a stab at another probability.

Interesting thought. May just have belonged to a Texas patriot who wanted to highlight his rifle, although the missing bar is a quandary. Thanks for your help. I do think the star was made from a Mexican silver coin. Jonl51

 

[TLHS]

Greetings CW buffs,
Can anyone identify this silver star? The Bullock Texas State Museum believes it is a hat star, most likely Texas but possibly Mississippi. I wonder due to the 3 prongs on the back versus a pin type fastener. Also please look closely at the backside as there is a stippling type pattern which might be related to what it was made from. The photos make it look brass colored but it is silver. As you can see it looks like there was a horizontal silver bar forward of the star but sadly missing. Any idea if that has significance? The 5 pointed star is imperfect in its symmetry so probably hand made.
Thank you! Jonl51

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First of all, the rifle is a Model 1873 Winchester; therefore, not Civil War.

 

[Jonl51]

First of all, the rifle is a Model 1873 Winchester; therefore, not Civil War.

Yes it's M1873 so not CW. That wasn't the question or the reason for asking.

 

[Pollaco]

I am most curious how you consulted with the Bob Bullock Museum. You are from Illinois aren't you? Email maybe?

 

[Jonl51]

I am most curious how you consulted with the Bob Bullock Museum. You are from Illinois aren't you? Email maybe?

Yes, email. They were very responsive and helpful. As I said earlier they believed the star to be a CW hat star and sent pictures of hat stars they have at their museum. I reached out to this community to get their thoughts because I still questioned that it is a CW hat star. Which now does not seem to be the case. Thanks!