copy of AMISH TIN BARN STAR bottle green made in USA

copy of AMISH TIN BARN STAR bottle green made in USA

Barnstars were meant to represent the mark of the builder, but became more frequently used for aesthetic purposes and were added to the building after construction was complete. Enthusiasts have traced a number of wooden barnstars to individual builders in the Pennsylvania area, where numerous examples can still be seen.

Barnstars were used in the United States during the 18th century and as late as 1870 in Pennsylvania, where their popularity increased greatly following the Civil War. Their regular use preceded that time, however, and stars were commonplace on large buildings, particularly factories, in pre-war Richmond, Virginia.

Barnstars remain a very popular form of decoration and modern houses are sometimes decorated with simple, metal, five-pointed stars which the makers describe as "barn-stars". They are often deliberately distressed or rusted, alluding to the traditional decoration.

These barn stars are hand pressed by Amish farmers, out of old salvaged tin from roofs from  barns and out-buildings. The tin is corrugated which gives the stars character. They have a primitive and rustic look, with old paint, wear, and some rusting. Because the stars are made by hand and from old materials, each will have variations in shading, peeling, small nail holes and wear then the ones shown. The stars are also non-returnable for these reasons.

handmade in Lancaster County, Pennsylvannia,  USA