How big are American military Rank Stars?

[Locke00000]

Hey guys, Im working on a costume for a stage production (err..well its a Rocky Horror costume...but anyway)...and there are a number of Stars on the back of a jacket I need to build. They look to be the same design as American Brigadier General stars, and it looks like I could buy them at http://www.usmedals.com/singleProduct.html?pn=B306 but I was wondering how big these tended to be. I emailed the guy that runs the site, but he hasnt replied yet, so I figured if anyone here knew, that would be pretty easy. AND if you guys know of any other metal stars that are identical in style or where I could get them, that info would me much appreceated

[jorgelito]

Hi,

Go here: http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/

Click on "Officer Rank" and scroll down. There should be a picture of a General's stars.

[jorgelito]

Actually,

You could always check out your local Army/Navy Surplus Store, or depending on where you live, a gun shop or war memorabilia shop. Those guys know a lot and love to talk about it.

Another option is to print out a picture of the 'star(s)' and bring it with you to an Arts n' Crafts store like "Michael's" or something to try and match it up.

[Locke00000]

Hrm...if those are the actual size then they seem to be a bit small. Michaels and Joanns have both turned into dead ends (neither of them even have the studs I need for the the rest of the jacket, so I may have to find a punk/headshop to get those). The stars I need are about 2 inches from point to point and have to have that "pyrimid" structure-like the general stars- on each of the legs..which seems darn hard to find (and they are going to probably be attached with a rivet)...these things are such a headache!

[tropple]

It depends on the uniform, the branch of service, and number of stars.

[jorgelito]

Hmmmm.....*strokes goatee thoughtfully*

Have you tried any local military surplus stores? Gun/war memorabilia shops too.

I keep thinking I've seen those stars somewhere: Beveled edges, plastic. Give that a shot, and maybe even look online. Ebay? You never know...

[1010011010]

There are actually a couple different sizes of each device.

It would be a pain in the neck (literally) to wear a two inch star on your collar.

Devices for covers ("hats" for the silly-villains) are larger, but certainly not two inches from point to point on a star. They're around 1.5 to 2 times as large as the collar device.

You could probably bug a recruiter about it, if you don't mind them trying to con you into enlisting. Maybe get a free sample ;D.

Depending on when you need it, I could stop in a uniform shop after work tomorrow and pick up a set.

[Locke00000]

Well just got a reply back from the guy and he mentioned these were 7/8"..probably about half the size they need to be...what a hastle. Anyway..here is one of my source images so if anyone knows if those stars are anything specific....

[Pragma]

The ones on that jacket look way too huge. Remember, you have to be able to put 3 or 4 of these stars onto a rank board on your shoulder.

[MikeyChalupa]

Yup, those stars in the pic are too big.

There are two sizes of officer rank devices in use: A large size for wear on jacket epaulets and a smaller size for wear on shirt collars and garrison caps. You'll probably want to go with the larger of the two.

-Mikey

[1010011010]

The standard size stars are 1" in height (which, is not point to point) and the minature are 9/16". Source