Military

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.

Physical DescriptionSong and Service Book for Ship and Field, Army and Navy, edited by Ivan Loveridge Bennett.
Description
Physical Description
Song and Service Book for Ship and Field, Army and Navy, edited by Ivan Loveridge Bennett. Gilt title on maroon boards, 192 pp.
General History
The Song and Service Book for Ship and Field, Army and Navy, edited by Ivan Loveridge Bennett, features prayers, hymns, and patriotic songs used in various military ceremonies and religious services.
date made
1942
printer
U.S. Government Printing Office
ID Number
1982.0372.01
accession number
1982.0372
catalog number
1982.0372.01
Physical DescriptionCeremonial baton, inscribed with "von Blomberg," decorated with Nazi swastikas and German national eagles, on blue velvet covering.Specific HistoryWerner von Blomberg was born in Stargard, Germany, on September 2, 1878.
Description
Physical Description
Ceremonial baton, inscribed with "von Blomberg," decorated with Nazi swastikas and German national eagles, on blue velvet covering.
Specific History
Werner von Blomberg was born in Stargard, Germany, on September 2, 1878. He joined the German Army and served as a second lieutenant in the Seventy-third Fusilier Regiment. He attended the War Academy (1904-07) before joining the General Staff in 1908. On the outbreak of the World War I, Blomberg was General Staff officer with the Nineteenth Reserve Division. He served on the Western Front where he won the Pour le Mérite. By the end of the war he had reached the rank of major. Blomberg's two brothers were killed in the conflict. Blomberg remained in the army and in 1920 was promoted to lieutenant colonel and appointed chief of staff of the Doeberitz Brigade.
Four years later General Hans von Seeckt appointed him as chief of army training. In 1927 Blomberg was promoted to major general and appointed chief of the Troop Office. In this position he clashed with Kurt von Schleicher and in 1929 was sent to East Prussia to serve under Walther von Reichenau. In 1932 Blomberg was head of the German delegation at the Geneva Disarmament Conference. The following year Adolf Hitler appointed him minister of defense and in 1935 minister of war and commander-in-chief of the German Army. It was Blomberg's idea to get all soldiers to pledge an oath of personal loyalty to Hitler.
In April 1936 Blomberg became Hitler's first field marshal. He was outmaneuvered, however, by Hermann Goering, who was jealous of Blomberg's power and used the Gestapo to obtain embarrassing information about his pretty young second wife, who turned out to have been a prostitute with a criminal record. In January 1938, Blomberg resigned when he discovered Goering was planning make this information public. Blomberg and his wife were ordered to spend a year in exile on Capri. The scandal allowed Hitler to take direct control of the army. After the war Blomberg was captured by Allied troops and gave evidence at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial. Werner von Blomberg died while being held in detention on March 14, 1946.
associated date
1935
user
Blomberg, Werner von
ID Number
AF.319919.01
catalog number
79374M
accession number
319919
Physical DescriptionBrown lined wool with trigger finger attachments.General HistoryThis type of mitten was designed to allow a gunner to fire while keeping his hands warm so as not to become numb from the cold.
Description
Physical Description
Brown lined wool with trigger finger attachments.
General History
This type of mitten was designed to allow a gunner to fire while keeping his hands warm so as not to become numb from the cold.
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
ZZ.RSN81505W14
Physical DescriptionFour color print on paper.Specific HistoryThe Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than 50 years.
Description
Physical Description
Four color print on paper.
Specific History
The Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than 50 years. Recruiting as an activity of the military is important to the understanding of who serves in uniform, during both war time and peace time, and the visual materials used to market military service. The collection contains examples of early Civil War broadsides, World War I posters, including the original artwork for Uncle Sam as drawn by Montgomery Flagg; and World War II posters, which show the recruiting of men and women for all services, and auxiliary organizations. The collection contains primarily Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II recruiting posters for the Army, Navy and some Marine. More modern day recruiting materials are also contained in the collections, and cover a broad range of Army recruiting slogans.
General History
Posters during World War II were designed to instill in the people a positive outlook, a sense of patriotism and confidence. They linked the war in trenches with the war at home. From a practical point, they were used to encourage all Americans to help with the war effort. The posters called upon every man, woman, and child to endure the personal sacrifice and domestic adjustments to further the national agenda. They encouraged rationing, conservation and sacrifice. In addition, the posters were used for recruitment, productivity, and motivation as well as for financing the war effort. The stark, colorful graphic designs elicited strong emotions. The posters played to the fears, frustrations, and faith in freedoms that lingered in people's minds during the war.
date made
ca 1942
artist
Barclay, McClelland
ID Number
ZZ.RSN79672W40
Physical DescriptionMetal tube with metal stand, green and brown in color.General HistoryMortars were used to fire projectiles at a sharp angle.
Description
Physical Description
Metal tube with metal stand, green and brown in color.
General History
Mortars were used to fire projectiles at a sharp angle.
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.33
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.33
Physical DescriptionCamouflage-lined army helmet with single strap. Two flechettes crossed in the front center of the helmet. On the side of the helmet are the names of the months from May 1969 to April 1970, written in ink and crossed through.
Description
Physical Description
Camouflage-lined army helmet with single strap. Two flechettes crossed in the front center of the helmet. On the side of the helmet are the names of the months from May 1969 to April 1970, written in ink and crossed through. A book of matches is tucked into the lining.
General History
This type of helmet is known as a "steel pot" helmet.
Date made
ca 1968
user
Turner, Terry T.
ID Number
1999.0167.06
accession number
1999.0167
catalog number
1999.0167.06
Physical DescriptionArmy green and gold-colored helmet, with black screaming cat painted into white star and a single strap.General HistoryWorn by South Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
Description
Physical Description
Army green and gold-colored helmet, with black screaming cat painted into white star and a single strap.
General History
Worn by South Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.30
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.30
Physical DescriptionAustrian pattern World War I helmet, refurbished with the typical dark field gray paint finish and National Socialist Party decals of red trimmed in black with a black swastika in a white circle.General HistoryDuring the early years of World War II, many helme
Description
Physical Description
Austrian pattern World War I helmet, refurbished with the typical dark field gray paint finish and National Socialist Party decals of red trimmed in black with a black swastika in a white circle.
General History
During the early years of World War II, many helmets used by the German Army were refurbished for field combat use. Surplus helmets, including Austrian pattern World War I helmets, were often gathered, repainted and marked with decals by the military personnel stationed at supply depots.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2004.0137.13
accession number
2004.0137
catalog number
2004.0137.13
Physical DescriptionBicycle made of mostly wood-like material with rear storage space.General HistoryVietcong bicylce used on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Description
Physical Description
Bicycle made of mostly wood-like material with rear storage space.
General History
Vietcong bicylce used on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
associated date
1955-1975
maker
Toanthang
ID Number
2015.3140.01
catalog number
2015.3140.01
nonaccession number
2015.3140
Physical DescriptionBlack wool felt. Red and white cotton braid trim.Specific HistoryThis particular hat is from the War Department collection, and is in unissued condition. It conforms to specifications within close tolerances and carries the maker label "W.H Hurlbut/Contract?
Description
Physical Description
Black wool felt. Red and white cotton braid trim.
Specific History
This particular hat is from the War Department collection, and is in unissued condition. It conforms to specifications within close tolerances and carries the maker label "W.H Hurlbut/Contract? Sept. 29th 1890./737 Broadway, New York" on the inner side fo the 1 3/4 inch sweat. The edge of the brim carries three rows of stitching. The hat cord also conforms to the specifications.
General History
In 1866 the Congress in reestablishing the peace-time Army authorized the President "To enlist and employ in the Territories and Indian country a force of Indians, not to exceed 1000, to act as scouts, who shall receive the pay and allowances of cavalry soldiers, and to be discharged whenever the necessity for their employment is abated...."
As of October 1868 there were 412 such scouts in the service. Over the years these scouts were enlisted for periods varying from three months to six years, the greater majority being for six months (this latter period later becoming the allowable maximun) and receiving in addition to pay and allowances forty cents a day extra if they furnished their own horse and horse equipment.
In the later winter of 1889 - 1890 Lt. E. W. Casey, 22nd Infantry, commanding a company of scouts at Fort Keogh, Montana, conceived the idea of a distinctive uniform for the scouts to attract them to the service and improve morale. When the concept was approved, Casey submitted his recommendations in detail including a variant campaign hat, hat cord, insignia, overcoat, and guidon, plus a distinctive facing for the issue dress coat. The Secretary of War approved and directed the Quartermaster General to initiate procurement. The hat and trimmings were described in Circular No. 10, Headquarters of the Army, 11 August 1890:
Fatigue Hat: Of black felt, brim 3 1/2 inches wide, crown 3 1/2 inches high; brim to be well stiffened.
Hat Cord: Of white worsted cord, one strand of scarlet, terminating in two tassels 1 1/4 inches in length, same color and material as the cord.
Hat Ornament: Two arrows crossed, to be made of nickel or some white metal, 3 inches in length, the letters U.S.S. in the upper intersection."
from United States Army Headgear 1855-1902. Catalog of United States Army Uniforms in the Collections of the Smithsonian Institutuion, II by Edgar M. Howell, Smithsonian Instiutiton, 1975.
Date made
1890-1899
ID Number
ZZ.RSN83548W47
catalog number
64127.02
accession number
64127
Physical DescriptionFirst pattern herringbone twill over M1 helmet.General HistoryThe first pattern herringbone twill helmet cover was developed as a way to camouflage the M1 helmet without adding much weight.
Description
Physical Description
First pattern herringbone twill over M1 helmet.
General History
The first pattern herringbone twill helmet cover was developed as a way to camouflage the M1 helmet without adding much weight. The cover slipped over the helmet and flaps tucked inside the steel shell. The cover was two-sided and reversible. One side was a four-color pattern of greens and browns and the other was three -color tans and brown. It was designed for an amphibious assault with the brown side in use when hitting a beach and the green side for jungle operations.
date made
1942
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
ZZ.RSN81522W04
Physical DescriptionUnited States M-1 rifle.Specific HistoryThis is one of the rifles used by the National Guardsmen at Kent State, Ohio on 4 May 1970.General HistoryKent State University came into the international spotlight on 4 May 1970.
Description
Physical Description
United States M-1 rifle.
Specific History
This is one of the rifles used by the National Guardsmen at Kent State, Ohio on 4 May 1970.
General History
Kent State University came into the international spotlight on 4 May 1970. During a protest by students against the Vietnam War, a contingent of 28 Ohio National Guardsmen fired for 13 seconds. The rifle fire left four students dead, one permanently paralyzed, and eight others wounded. Many of the students were walking to and from class. Not every student was involved in the demonstration. The closest student wounded was 30 yards away from the Guard, while the farthest was almost 250 yards away.
associated dates
1970-05-04
user
Ohio National Guard
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1987.0381.10
catalog number
1987.0381.10
accession number
1987.0381
serial number
2646119
Physical DescriptionDark green helmet with red painted lettering on the front.Specific HistoryThis flight helmet was worn by John Lynch on the day he was injured, 2 July 1967. The helmet has bullet holes on the visor area and blood stains on the chin strap.
Description
Physical Description
Dark green helmet with red painted lettering on the front.
Specific History
This flight helmet was worn by John Lynch on the day he was injured, 2 July 1967. The helmet has bullet holes on the visor area and blood stains on the chin strap.
Associated Date
1967-07-02
user
Lynch, John
ID Number
2004.0003.16
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.16
Women's Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) uniform from World War I, consisting of hat, coat, shirtwaist, tie, skirt, and insignia. Coat and skirt are olive green wool gabardine, shirt is white dimity, hat is blue cotton, and tie is blue silk.
Description
Women's Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) uniform from World War I, consisting of hat, coat, shirtwaist, tie, skirt, and insignia. Coat and skirt are olive green wool gabardine, shirt is white dimity, hat is blue cotton, and tie is blue silk. Metal "U.S." insignia on coat lapel and cloth "J.W.B." patch with Star of David background on shouler and hat. Donated by the Jewish Welfare Board through The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.
The Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) was organized shortly after America’s entry into World War I, consolidating religious groups in the Jewish community to become an official agency to work with the War Department through its Commission on Training Camp Activities. It was modeled after the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the Knights of Columbus, and other organizations that in World War I adapted military-like uniforms for women and men volunteers. The JWB built buildings and stocked libraries on army installations and distributed books, articles, Bibles, and prayer books supplied through its affiliation with the Jewish Publication Society. It established community branches in the “second line of defense,” by supporting Jewish workers in the shipyards, arsenals, and other military plants and factories, as well as hospitals and universities where the government had taken over under military regulations. Following the Armistice, under direction of the Navy Department, the JWB transferred its peacetime work to veteran’s hospitals and enlarged Jewish community centers.
associated date
1914-1918
ID Number
1998.0165.25.01
catalog number
1998.0165.25.01.01
1998.0165.25.01.02
accession number
1998.0165
catalog number
1998.0165.25.01
This bowie knife was found on the battlefield of Perryville, Kentucky.It is claimed that the bowie knife was designed by Rezin Bowie, the brother of James Bowie, and made by blacksmith James Black. The blade, made of steel, was up to 14 inches long.
Description
This bowie knife was found on the battlefield of Perryville, Kentucky.
It is claimed that the bowie knife was designed by Rezin Bowie, the brother of James Bowie, and made by blacksmith James Black. The blade, made of steel, was up to 14 inches long. Its shape enabled the cowboy or mountain man to skin or disembowel an animal. In general, the bowie is usually classified as any large knife with a clip point. It was popular from the 1840s through 1865 and used by United States troops during the Mexican War and on the frontier during the disturbances in Kansas and Missouri in the 1850s. During the Civil War, it was popular with Confederate soldiers, whose arms generally were inferior.
Associated Date
1862
ID Number
AF.32398
catalog number
32398
accession number
68826
Physical DescriptionBronze medal 1 3/8 inches in width. On the obverse is "Liberation" standing full length with her head turned, looking to the dawn of a new day. Her right foot rests on a war god’s helmet.
Description
Physical Description
Bronze medal 1 3/8 inches in width. On the obverse is "Liberation" standing full length with her head turned, looking to the dawn of a new day. Her right foot rests on a war god’s helmet. In her right hand is the hilt of a broken sword and in her left hand is the broken blade. Slightly below the center is the inscription, "WORLD WAR II." On the reverse the inscriptions "FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND WANT" and "FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RELIGION" are separated by a palm branch. Around the rim is inscribed, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1914 1945." The medal hangs on a ribbon of red and white with "rainbow" stripes on either side. The rainbow on each side of the ribbon is a miniature of the pattern used in the WWI Victory Medal.
General History
The World War II Victory medal was established by an Act of Congress in July of 1945. The medal was awarded to all military personnel for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946.
date made
1946
ID Number
ZZ.RSN79785W24
Physical DescriptionFlyer accompanying Humanitarian Daily Rations.Specific HistoryDuring Operation Enduring Freedom, Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs) were dropped from US C-17 cargo planes. Each package contained a complete day's food supply of 2200 calories.
Description
Physical Description
Flyer accompanying Humanitarian Daily Rations.
Specific History
During Operation Enduring Freedom, Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs) were dropped from US C-17 cargo planes. Each package contained a complete day's food supply of 2200 calories. The food contents of the package varied, but never contained any meat products. The text on the outside of the bright yellow package translates to "Halal", which indicates the food is permitted under Islamic law.
ID Number
2004.0170.15
accession number
2004.0170
catalog number
2004.0170.15
Physical DescriptionDark-blue cloth lined with white serge and edged with white kerseymere. Brown leather forage cap with slightly darker leather bill.General HistoryThe soft leather forage cap was introduced in 1833.
Description
Physical Description
Dark-blue cloth lined with white serge and edged with white kerseymere. Brown leather forage cap with slightly darker leather bill.
General History
The soft leather forage cap was introduced in 1833. There seems to be no historical reason for the distinct change in the style of the cap. Since soldiers wore their uniforms day and night, it has been reported that the forage cap came in handy at night. With the strap buckled under the chin tightly it was a big help, according to one hospital steward, "to keep out of our ears, ear-wigs, centipedes, cockroaches, etc."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
associated date
1834 - 1851
ID Number
AF.22729 [dup2]
catalog number
22729
accession number
64127
Physical DescriptionM1 rocket launcher, 60 mm, known as a “Bazooka.”General HistoryThe United States had a growing stockpile of excellent antitank warheads but lacked a suitable delivery system. Colonel Leslie Skinner, a U.S.
Description
Physical Description
M1 rocket launcher, 60 mm, known as a “Bazooka.”
General History
The United States had a growing stockpile of excellent antitank warheads but lacked a suitable delivery system. Colonel Leslie Skinner, a U.S. Army officer at the Ordnance Proving Ground, was an enthusiastic proponent of rockets. He suggested carrying the hollow charge at the tip of a high-speed rocket. He built a rocket to carry a grenade body, then took a modified 60-mm mortar tube and demonstrated the destructive force of his new weapon in front of high-ranking generals. The officers gathered to see the official demonstrations of other weapons were suitably impressed and Skinner's weapon was ordered into production immediately. The new weapon was soon modified for production and a month later, in May 1942, General Electric had built 5,000 ready for combat. The first model was known as the Rocket Launcher M1. The caliber of 60 mm or 2.36 inches was determined by the grenades used as the warhead, which were already in production. The Bazooka got its nickname for its similar shape to the popular 1930s and 1940s radio comedian Bob Burns’s musical instrument, a homemade trombone he called a Bazooka.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
General Electric Company
ID Number
AF.67438M
catalog number
67438M
accession number
243351
Physical DescriptionGreen beret of rifle-green wool, with a black leather sweat band.
Description
Physical Description
Green beret of rifle-green wool, with a black leather sweat band. Lined with yellow cloth and marked: "Bancroft/Military Caps/Framingham Mass." The crown bears the insignia of the 7th Special Forces Group—a red felt shield and a pin of black and silver and black crossed arrows over a sword with the motto "De Oppresso Liber" or "to free the oppressed".
Specific History
United States 7th Special Forces Group Green Beret, worn by SP/5C R. J. Schmidt in Vietnam in 1964.
General History
The U.S. Army Special Forces are commonly known as the Green Berets, from their distinctive headgear. They are small groups of highly trained officers and non-commissioned officers whose mission is to conduct "behind-the-lines" operations in enemy territory, reconnaissance, target acquisition and damage assessment, and precision strikes on strategic targets. Special Forces units have another unique mission, which is to train and operate insurgency and counterinsurgency units in the field, a mission they performed admirably in Vietnam. They are well-schooled in foreign languages and customs, and are the units of choice when a training mission is done in another nation.
The 7th Special Forces Group was first formed as the 1st Company, First Battalion, 1st Special Service Force in July 1942 at Camp William Harrison in Montana. Disbanded after World War II, it was reactivated at Fort Bragg in 1953 as the 77th Special Forces Group. In 1960, the 77th Special Forces Group was designated the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), as they are still known today. Under President Kennedy, the 7th served as the cadre and building block for the formation of other special forces units. In 1961 the 7th was sent to Vietnam to advise the South Vietnamese Army and was also involved in Laos and Thailand. The first Medal of Honor earned in Vietnam was awarded to Captain Roger Donlon, a member of the 7th.
associated date
1960 - 1974
user
Schmidt, Roland J.
graphic artist
Chicago Tribune
ID Number
AF.69608M
catalog number
69608M
accession number
270587
Physical DescriptionDouble-breasted buckskin coat, with fringe on the pockets and collar and along the sleeves.Specific HistoryThis buckskin coat was worn by Custer when he was a lieutenant colonel with the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the Dakotas.
Description
Physical Description
Double-breasted buckskin coat, with fringe on the pockets and collar and along the sleeves.
Specific History
This buckskin coat was worn by Custer when he was a lieutenant colonel with the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the Dakotas. It was one of several owned and worn by Custer, who preferred to dress like a frontiersman while out West.
In 1912, Custer's widow, Elizabeth, donated this buckskin coat to the Smithsonian as a tribute to her husband.
General History
George Armstrong Custer was born in 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio; by 1857, he was enrolled as a cadet in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point upon appointment by a congressman. He graduated last in his class of thirty-four. During the Civil War, he became known for his fearlessness (some said recklessness) in battle; indeed, he was promoted to the rank of Major General by age twenty-five. He figured prominently in General Philip Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864; at the surrender at Appomattox in April 1865, Sheridan gave Custer's wife Elizabeth the table on which the surrender was signed.
After the war, George Custer reverted to the rank of captain. He was given command of the newly formed Seventh Cavalry in 1866 and elevated to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He gained a reputation as an Indian fighter who often ignored orders if they did not suit his sense of self-aggrandizement. His recklessness finally caught up to him on June 25, 1876, when he and his five cavalry companies were annihilated by a combined force of thousands of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at Little Big Horn, Montana.
In 1864, George Custer married Elizabeth (Libby) Bacon. Libby followed her husband on campaign during the Civil War, and even went with him to the frontier. After his death, she crusaded to perpetuate the image of her husband as a gallant soldier; to this end, she undertook speaking engagements and wrote several books.
In 1912, she donated this coat to the Smithsonian in memory of her husband.
date made
ca 1870
wearer
Custer, George Armstrong
ID Number
AF.013044
catalog number
13044
accession number
54045
Physical DescriptionFour color print on paper.Specific HistoryThe Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than fifty years.
Description
Physical Description
Four color print on paper.
Specific History
The Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than fifty years. Recruiting as an activity of the military is important to the understanding of who serves in uniform, during both war and peace, and the visual materials used to market military service. The collection contains examples of early Civil War broadsides, World War I posters, including the original artwork for Uncle Sam as drawn by Montgomery Flagg, and World War II posters, which show the recruiting of men and women for all services and auxiliary organizations. The collection contains primarily Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II recruiting posters for the army, navy and some marines. More modern-day recruiting materials are also contained in the collection, and cover a broad range of army recruiting slogans.
General History
Posters during World War II were designed to instill in people a positive outlook, a sense of patriotism, and confidence. They linked the war in trenches with the war at home. From a practical point, they were used to encourage all Americans to help with the war effort. The posters called on every man, woman, and child to endure the personal sacrifice and domestic adjustments to further the national agenda. They encouraged rationing, conservation, and sacrifice. In addition, the posters were used for recruitment, productivity, and motivation as well as for financing the war effort. The stark, colorful graphic designs elicited strong emotions. The posters played to the fears, frustrations, and faith in freedoms that lingered in people's minds during the war.
date made
ca 1942
ID Number
AF.59744-N(16)
catalog number
59744-N(16)
accession number
303735
303735
Physical DescriptionBrown wool button-down jacket and brown wool breeches.General HistoryEnlisted soldier's uniform.
Description
Physical Description
Brown wool button-down jacket and brown wool breeches.
General History
Enlisted soldier's uniform. The brown, doughy color of the uniform led to these soldiers being referred to as "doughboys," though the exact derivation of the nickname has been debated.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
associated date
1917-1918
ID Number
1977.0082.06
accession number
1977.0082
catalog number
1977.0082.06
81199M
Physical DescriptionSilver metal with orange celluloid handle.
Description
Physical Description
Silver metal with orange celluloid handle. Engraved with "Solingen." Swastika under eagle with a silver braid portapee hanger and scabbard.
General History
Solingen steel, used in making knives, scissors, razors, and surgical instruments, is world famous for its excellence. Solingen was chartered in 1374 and has been known for its fine blades since the Middle Ages. It belonged to the duchy of Berg until 1600 and passed to Prussia in 1815.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
maker
Solingen
ID Number
AF.77490M
catalog number
77490M
accession number
309977

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