Most Rare Republic of Texas-Period Silver and Gold Hat Badge. ...

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Most Rare Republic of Texas-Period Silver and Gold Hat Badge. Although this insignia is often associated with the Civil War, when it was indeed used, as evidenced by the following lot, this iconic symbol has its origins in this earlier period of Texas history. Many of the, albeit exceedingly rare, examples of the use of this symbol trace their origins to the 1835 - 1845 period rather than the Civil War. 1½" across the points of the star, the badge is slightly convex and expertly fabricated of heavy sheet silver. The edges are decorated with ric-rac engraving, the "T E X A S" neatly hand engraved in shaded block letters at the base of each star arm. The separately affixed center star is of low-grade gold, with a delicately hand engraved shaded border. The sturdy brass loop for attachment appears to actually pass through the badge, and is most likely peaned over underneath the central gold star. There is some evidence of hammer strikes around the base of the loop. This was, due to the convex form, doubtless used as a hat badge with a wooden pin passing through the attachment loop for affixing to the hat. Completely untouched and uncleaned with a wonderful patina. Jeweler quality and generally accepted as being amongst the rarest of American military insignia.