How big are American military Rank Stars?
 

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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...

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.

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....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...mpek/back2.jpg

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.

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

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