Military - Overview
The Museum's superb military collections document the history of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States. The collections include ordnance, firearms, and swords; uniforms and insignia; national and military flags and banners; and many other objects.
The strength of the collections lies in their enormous depth. Some 3,000 military small arms and 2,400 civilian firearms document the mechanical and technological history of the infantryman's weapons from the beginning of the gunpowder era to the present. Among the 4,000 swords and knives in the collection are many spectacular presentation pieces. The collections also include Civil War era telegraph equipment, home front artifacts from both world wars, early computers such as ENIAC, Whirlwind, and Sage, and materials carried at antiwar demonstrations.
"Military - Overview" showing 88 items.
Page 1 of 9
Sword Presented to William B. Hazen
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to General William B. Hazen by the Officers of his staff in June 1863
- Description
- West Point graduate William B. Hazen was wounded in action against the Comanche in Texas prior to the Civil War. He fought at Shiloh and Stones River where he was wounded, yet credited with saving the Union Line at “Hell’s Half Acre.” He continued to serve in the Army until his death in 1887.
- The blade of this sword is long, straight, and single-edged. The fuller is broad and shallow. Both sides of the blade are decorated in silver and gold chasing. The silver decorations consist of floral sprays and designs. The gold chasing on the obverse is in the shape of two flags, military trophies, and a shield. The gold chasing on the reverse creates a flag and a classical style helmet. The grip is shark skin with a three wire medley that wraps around the grip 11 times in a spiral. There is a gold backstrap on the grip. The pommel is in the shape of an eagle's head. The knuckle guard is decorated in a casting of floral sprays in the center and laurel leaves on the sides. There is an eagle casting the bears the US shield on the base of the guard. The counterguard is ovular and bowl shaped and is similarly decorated with floral spray castings and laurel leaves. The counterguard terminates in a quillon that is shaped like a lion's head.
- The scabbard bears three gold mounts. Each mount features ornate castings of floral and scroll designs. It is inscribed “Presented to / Gen. W.B. Hazen. / by the Officers of his staff / June 1863 / Shiloh, April 7, 1862, Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.” between the top two mounts on the scabbard's obverse. The scabbard bears two carrying rings, one on the right hand side of the two top mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1863
- referenced
- 1862
- recipient
- Hazen, William Babcock
- maker
- Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
- maker of blade
- Luneschloss, Paul D.
- ID Number
- 1984.0834.27
- catalog number
- 1984.0834.27
- accession number
- 1984.0834
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Army Cavalry Sergeant's Trousers, Model 1861
- Description
- These model 1861 type III mounted trousers would have been worn by a cavalry sergeant in the U.S. Army Calvary. Pair of unlined sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a six tin button fly and six large tin buttons around the waist. There are two vertical slash pockets set into the side seams of each leg and a single watch pocket on the right side of the waistband. The waistband facing and the side pockets are cotton. There is a "V" shaped slit and two reinforced eyelets at the back waist. There is a second layer of wool kersey reinforcement which runs from the seat of the pants down the inside each leg to the cuff. A 1 5/8" stripe of yellow wool tape extends from the top of the pocket to the cuff on the outside seam of each leg. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outside seams of each cuff and a pair of small tin buttons on the bottom inside and outside seams of the inside of the trouser leg. The numeral "12" is stamped on the waistband facing on the back left side. "A & S Oct 10th, 1864" is stamped on both sides of the waistband facing. A number "8" is written on the right pocket in red.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1861-1872
- associated date
- 1861
- maker
- Anspach & Stanton
- ID Number
- 2007.0069.29
- catalog number
- 2007.0069.29
- accession number
- 2007.0069
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Artillery Sergeant's Trousers, Model 1861
- Description
- These model 1861 type I dismounted trousers would have been worn by an artillery sergeant in the U.S. Army. Pair of unlined sky blue wool twill trousers with a six button fly and four large buttons around the waist. Buttons are made of tin. There are two vertical slash pockets set into the side seams of each leg and a watch pocket on the right side of the waistband. The waistband facing and pockets are made of cotton twill. There is a "13," and a "3" in two places and "SA" stamped on the waistband facing. The fabric used for the right pocket has a partially legible word stamped on it, which reads "llings". There is a "V" shaped slit with two reinforced eyelet holes for waist adjustment at the rear waist. There is a red 1 1/2 inch wide wool tape stripe extending from the waistband to the cuff on the outside seam of each leg. The trousers are unlined. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outer seam of each trouser leg.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1861-1872
- associated date
- 1861
- ID Number
- 2007.0069.30
- catalog number
- 2007.0069.30
- accession number
- 2007.0069
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Army Artillery Private's Trousers, Model 1860
- Description
- These model 1860 mounted quartermaster red seal sample trousers were designed to be worn by an artillery private in the U.S. Army. Unlined sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a five button fly, and six buttons around the waistband. Three of the five buttons on the fly are gutta percha, and the rest are tin. Waist buttons are tin. There are vertical slash pockets set into the side seams of each leg and a watch pocket of the right side of the waistband. There is a "V" shaped slit with a reinforced eyelet hole on each side at the back waist. A second band of stitching reinforces the opening at the back center seam. There is a second layer of wool kersey reinforcement extending from the seat of the pants to the bottom cuffs. The waistband facing and pockets are made of cotton twill. Seven inches of the back seam from the opening of the waist adjustment has been covered with cotton fabric. There is a stamp on the waistband facing front left which is illegible. There is a red sealing wax quartermaster sample seal on the front left which is currently protected with mylar. Heavy brown thread was used to sew on the buttons and finish the button holes. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outside seam of each leg. There is a pair of small tin buttons sewn to the inside and outside seams of the inside of the trouser cuff. The trouser legs had been shortened by four inches at the cuff and taken in at the waist by 4 inches. On the left back waistband there is dark blue hand stitching which appears to have at attached a label which is now missing. In a pocket is a label with a small button attached that says: Light art trousers 1861 Rs, MC-113-B pattern made.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1860-1872
- associated date
- 1860
- ID Number
- 2007.0069.32
- catalog number
- 2007.0069.32
- accession number
- 2007.0069
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket
- Description (Brief)
- Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket used by Private Elisha Stockwell, Jr. during the Civil War
- Description
- On Feb. 25, 1862 at the age of 15, Elisha Stockwell, Jr. enlisted in Company 'I' of the 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Stockwell was issued a .69-caliber Belgian rifle musket when he joined. He was wounded twice at the Battle of Shiloh, and he fought at Corinth. By the time he fought at Vicksburg, Stockwell was issued a .577-caliber Enfield rifle.
- In early 1864 Stockwell was issued this .58-caliber Model 1863 Springfield rifle musket. Stockwell used this rifle at the battles of Kennesaw Mountain, and Mobile, but not at the Battle of Atlanta. Just before the Battle of Atlanta, a lieutenant sent Stockwell to find the cooks who were late with Company I’s coffee. Stockwell left his rifle and belts beside a tree and before he could find the cooks, the battle started. After the battle he returned to find his rifle and belts just where he left them.
- Stockwell was promoted to Corporal in March, 1865 and mustered out of the Army in Oct., 1865. He purchased this rifle and the rest of his kit for six dollars and the rifle was passed down through his family. It was donated to the Smithsonian by his great-grandson Gordon S. Stockwell in 2012.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1864
- user
- Stockwell, Jr., Elisha
- maker
- Springfield Armory
- ID Number
- 2012.0056.01
- catalog number
- 2012.0056.01
- accession number
- 2012.0056
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to Henry W. Lawton
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Lawton by the Officers and Men of his Regiment [30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry] on March 4, 1865
- Description
- Henry W. Lawton began the Civil War as an enlisted 90-day volunteer. By the war’s end he was a brevet Colonel. Lawton received a Medal of Honor for service in Sherman’s Atlanta campaign.
- This sword was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Lawton by the officers and men of the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The blade is Damascus steel; it is long, slightly curved, and single edged. The fuller is wide and shallow, and extends about two thirds of the way to the tip of the blade. Both sides are decorated in silver and gold chasing. The obverse bears a silver eagle surrounded by a scroll pattern, wearing a US shield and holding an "E PLURIBUS / UNUM" banner in the middle of a large sunburst, all backed in gold chasing. The reverse of the blade features the same design with a "U.S." monogram surrounded by the inscription "For Union / and Liberty." The grip features a silver figure of Nike holding a laurel wreath; she is resting against a piece of gold metal in the shape of a large palm leaf. The knuckle-bow is a brass strip that branches off about half way down the hilt. The strip and branch are adorned in oak leaves and acorns. The branch widens into a large half basket shaped counterguard which is covered in openwork scroll design. This terminates in a quillon in the shape of a dragon's head.
- The scabbard is gilded and bears three silvered mounts. The first mount features a medieval trophy design surrounded by laurel wreath and scroll designs. The reverse bears a "US" monogram with similar surroundings. The middle mount features a US shield held by an eagle standing on a globe with an identical laurel and scroll pattern. The bottom mount, which acts as the drag, features another eagle/ US shield design, as well as an ornate engraving of laurel leaves and scrolls. Between the first and second mount a plate with an engraved inscription to Lawton reads “LIEUT. COL. HENRY W. LAWTON / 30th Ind. Vet. Vol Infty. / Presented by the Officers and Men of his Regiment / as a token of confidence and respect. / March 4th 1865” The plate is surrounded by names of the battles he fought: Shiloh / Corinth / Stone River / Chickamauga / Atlanta / Franklin / Nashville. Between the second and first mount is a plate with castings of oak sprays and acorns. The carrying rings to the scabbard with an acorn shaped ring.
- date made
- 1865
- date presented
- 1865-03-04
- recipient
- Lawton, Henry W.
- maker
- Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*16043 [dup1]
- catalog number
- 16043
- accession number
- 59545
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to George B. McClellan
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Major General George McClellan by the citizens of Boston on February 5th, 1863
- Description
- The blade of this sword is long, straight, and double edged. Both sides of the blade are decorated with trophy, floral, and scroll designs. The grip of the sword is gold plated, and is covered with rows of laurel leaves. The grip also has three bands covered in pearls. Two of the bands intersect in the middle, and the other wraps around the top, right below the pommel. The pommel is globular and covered in gold oak leaves. A large stone or gem is missing from the pommel. The knuckle guard is a gold plated strip of laurel leaves. The counterguard is double shell shaped. The top of the counterguard is corrugated. The knuckle guard terminates in a round quillon with palm leaf designs.
- The scabbard has three gold mounts. The top mount has two angels holding a shield surrounded with floral and scroll designs on the obverse. Between the mounts is the inscription “TO / Major General George B. McClellan. / from many / Citizens of / BOSTON / February / 5th 1863. / Pro rege saepe, pro patria simper.” The middle mount has a medieval casque surrounded by two small angels and floral and scroll designs. The drag features the profile view of a goddess' head, along with some more floral designs. There are three carrying rings on the scabbard, one on each side of the top mount, and the other on the right side of the middle mount.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1863
- date given
- 1863
- recipient
- McClellan, George B.
- maker
- Palmer, Bachelders & Co.
- ID Number
- AF*17419 [dup1]
- catalog number
- 17419
- accession number
- 61384
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Army Trousers, Model 1854, Type II
- Description
- These model 1854 type II dismounted trousers would have been worn by an enlisted man in the U.S. Army. Pair of sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a five button fly and six large metal buttons around the waist. There are two vertical slash pockets on each side, and a watch pocket on the right side of the waistband. The waistband facing and pockets are cotton twill. The edge of the fly is hand pinked. The crotch seam has been covered with cotton twill. There is a "V" shaped slit and two eyelet holes for waist adjustment at the rear of the waistband. The trousers are unlined. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outer seam of each trouser leg. There are two maker's marks on the right back facing. The first stamp is only partially legible and reads "G.S.H...ney?/US". The second is stamped "Portland M./Feby 3rd 1865".
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1865
- used date
- 1861-1872
- ID Number
- AF*22828 [dup1]
- catalog number
- 22828
- accession number
- 64127
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Army Sack Coat, Model 1858
- Description
- This model 1858 sack coat would have been worn by an enlisted man in the U.S. Army. Dark blue wool machine-sewn collared blouse. Center front has four general service brass eagle buttons down the right side. Cuffs are plain. Body lined with coarse green herringbone wool. There is a breast pocket in the lining on the left side created by sewing the outer and lining fabric together. The sleeves are lined with cream-colored cotton. Numerous mended holes. Wear from use is evident on the upper left breast. Left sleeve has illegible stamp. The right sleeve has 3 stamps, which read: "J.J. MARTIN, FEBY 4 65"; "3" and "Jos Jones, US Inspector, NY".
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1865
- used date
- 1858-1872
- ID Number
- AF*22828 [dup2]
- catalog number
- 22828
- accession number
- 64127
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to Marcus LaRue Harrison
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Colonel Marcus L. Harrison by the officers and men of the 1st Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers in 1864
- Description
- Enlisted as a private, Marcus Larue Harrison’s railroad background made him an acting lieutenant of engineers by the fall of 1861. In 1862 Harrison was given permission to organize Arkansas Unionists into the 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment. The regiment served in battles in northwest Arkansas. This sword was presented to him by the officers and men of the regiment in 1864.
- The blade of this sword is long, curved, and single edged. The fuller is broad and shallow and it extends about three quarters of the way to the tip of the blade. Both sides are decorated in floral and scroll designs in gold and silver chasing. The obverse bears an American soldier holding a sword and a cluster of military trophies bearing the monogram "US". The reverse bears a soldier holding a gun, and a larger "U.S." monogram. The grip of the sword is a plain textured metal that has been wrapped with gilt wire approximately 18 times around in a spiral. The backstrap is a gold metal with scroll designs and military trophies, including a US shield, cast upon it. The pommel is a continuation of the backstrap, and is covered in scroll designs. There is a large dark red jewel in the place of a capstan rivet. The knuckle guard and counterguard are decorated with palm leaves and scroll patterns.
- The scabbard bears three gold mounts. The top two mounts bear an ornate laurel spray design. The drag features a scroll design and a handful of flags at the base. The space between the two top mounts bears a silver metal plate with the inscription “M. La Rue Harrison / Col. 1st Ark. Cav. Vols. / from the / Officers and Men of his Command / 1864”. There are two carrying rings on the scabbard, one on the right side of the top two mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1862
- date presented
- 1864
- recipient
- Harrison, Marcus LaRue
- maker
- Collins & Co.
- Folson, Henry
- ID Number
- AF*30419 [dup1]
- catalog number
- 30419
- accession number
- 65314
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center