Rare Civil War Vermont Hat Pin found!

[Devonrex]

Dug this pin out of one of my Civil War encampments yesterday. The insignia is silver plated with a lead filled backing. It measures roughly 40mm by 36 mm. At first I didn't know if it depicted a horse or a deer. I knew the horse head insignia was affiliated with the Virginia militia and the stag with antlers was associated with the state of Vermont. This area saw both Union and Confederate action so I didn't know what I had. After getting some feedback from others I was leaning towards it being a deer whose antlers had broken off. Several years ago an article was published in North South Trader magazine where dug Vermont insignia were showcased. At that time only 3 were known. One of them was found close to where I found mine, although it depicted only the stags head. It also had an antler broken off which the owner had restored. Just a little while ago I got the information I needed. HomeGuardDan sent me a reference page of a dug Vermont hatpin found at the North Anna Battlefield identical to mine (minus its antlers)! What a find! I am so happy about rescuing this piece. I am definitely going to get this Vermont hatpin restored to its original glory!

 

[bluehunter1973]

Great find again. Do you have any more info on it? I'll give you a banner vote anyway because of its rarity and its a great find.

 

[Ifoundit69]

Very cool find !

 

[DaleGM]

I envy you folks with such rich CW history.... awesome find DevonRex

 

[metalev4]

Nice find John. Havent seen that one before. Congrats!
-Evan

 

[TNGUNS]

That is just too cool. Great save brother. Congrats

 

[cntrydncr1]

very nice find!! congrats

 

[brnn53]

Awesome find! Very rare and unique. I've seen your finds on other forums and you have quite a collection. Congrats!
Mike

 

[BuckleBoy]

This is seriously a banner find, and I am nominating it. Fantastic dig!

P.S.--in terms of getting it restored...are there any examples that have the antlers on them for a reference?

Cheers,


Buck

 

[got2dig]

Very nice and Hats off to you on this find.

 

[hamiddetecting]

Rare find, congratulation!

 

[CRUSADER]

A nice rare piece of History, that is why I would NEVER restore, specially 'add' anything to it. Leave it alone in my opinion it looks great enough.

 

[Ironman!]

Another awesome find Devonrex! You must have an awesome museum of some rich history of our great nation!!

IM