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.

Purple Hearts" series; handwritten on verso "Pfc. Randall Clunen, 19, of the 101st Airborne Division, was wounded December 8, 2003 in Tal Afar, Iraq when a suicide car bomber broke U.S. security lines. The explosion sent shrapnel into Clunen's face, neck and body.
Description (Brief)
Purple Hearts" series; handwritten on verso "Pfc. Randall Clunen, 19, of the 101st Airborne Division, was wounded December 8, 2003 in Tal Afar, Iraq when a suicide car bomber broke U.S. security lines. The explosion sent shrapnel into Clunen's face, neck and body. / Photographed at his home in Salem, Ohio. / February 14, 2004 / From the Purple Hearts Series
Location
Currently not on view
date printed
2021
date made
2004-02-14
maker
Berman, Nina
ID Number
2021.0057.0004
accession number
2021.0057
catalog number
2021.0057.0004
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date printed
2021
date made
2006-08-27
maker
Berman, Nina
ID Number
2021.0057.0039
catalog number
2021.0057.0039
accession number
2021.0057
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date printed
2021
date made
2008-02-20
maker
Berman, Nina
ID Number
2021.0057.0029
accession number
2021.0057
catalog number
2021.0057.0029
World War I Victory Medal awarded to General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). Bronze medal with a winged figure of Victory holding a sword and shield on the obverse.
Description
World War I Victory Medal awarded to General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). Bronze medal with a winged figure of Victory holding a sword and shield on the obverse. The medal hangs from a rainbow colored ribbon, with violet on the left and right edges and red at the center. Attached to the ribbon are fourteen battle clasps (from top to bottom): Cambrai; Somme, Defensive; Lys; Aisne; Montdidier-Noyon; Champagne-Marne; Aisne-Marne; Somme, Offensive; Oise-Aisne; Ypres-Lys; St. Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne; Vittorio-Veneto; and Defensive Sector. As Commander of the AEF, Pershing received a battle clasp for every major conflict in which the AEF was involved as well as a clasp for general defense service (Defensive Sector).
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1914-1918
wearer
Pershing, John J.
ID Number
AF.46879
catalog number
46879
accession number
182935
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Phrynosoma regale [Girard] and Doliosaurus m’callii [Girard]”—now "Phrynosoma solare" (Regal horned lizard) and "Phrynosoma mcallii" (Flat–tail horned lizard); from one or more original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 28 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Phrynosoma regale [Girard] and Doliosaurus m’callii [Girard]”—now "Phrynosoma solare" (Regal horned lizard) and "Phrynosoma mcallii" (Flat–tail horned lizard); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 28 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.062
catalog number
2009.0115.062
accession number
2009.0115
ID Number
AF.5381
catalog number
5381
accession number
13152
ID Number
ZZ.RSN81782W43
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 DescriptionMetal with engraving.General HistoryA gorget is an ornamental plate that adorns the neck. Gorgets and printed testimonials were among the items given to Indian allies.
Description
Physical Description
Metal with engraving.
General History
A gorget is an ornamental plate that adorns the neck. Gorgets and printed testimonials were among the items given to Indian allies.
date made
1760
ID Number
1980.0399.1428
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.1428
maker
Deringer, Jr., Henry
ID Number
AF.222303
accession number
41356
catalog number
222303
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 DescriptionInk on paper.Specific HistoryOath of allegiance certificate for John Mathia, 1778.General HistoryNeeds to be re-written.Currently not on view
Description
Physical Description
Ink on paper.
Specific History
Oath of allegiance certificate for John Mathia, 1778.
General History
Needs to be re-written.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1778
associated date
1778 01
recipient
Splitner, John M.
issuer
United States of America Committee
maker
United States of America Committee
ID Number
AF.73518M
catalog number
73518M
accession number
286278
Physical DescriptionForged steel.General HistoryAmerican-made curved blade cavalry saber. Curved blade sabers were generally used as a slashing and hacking weapon.
Description
Physical Description
Forged steel.
General History
American-made curved blade cavalry saber. Curved blade sabers were generally used as a slashing and hacking weapon.
Date made
1775 - 1780
ID Number
1994.0370.02
catalog number
1994.0370.02
accession number
1994.0370
licensee
Thompson
maker
Auto-Ordnance Corporation
ID Number
AF.76531M
catalog number
76531M
accession number
304325
serial number
60886
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
ID Number
1986.0052.07
catalog number
1986.0052.07
accession number
1986.0052
associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
AF.65938M
catalog number
65938M
accession number
232120
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 DescriptionFrench silver-hilted officer's small sword with silvered guard and knuckle bow.Specific HistoryThis artifact is part of the large collection of firearms and militaria from the Charles Bremner Hogg Jackson collection.Brem Jackson (1910-1979) was by all accounts
Description
Physical Description
French silver-hilted officer's small sword with silvered guard and knuckle bow.
Specific History
This artifact is part of the large collection of firearms and militaria from the Charles Bremner Hogg Jackson collection.
Brem Jackson (1910-1979) was by all accounts a modest and intensely private individual. He was unknown as a collector to neighbors and other military connoisseurs. Born in New York, he was raised with a French governess who told him stories of the Napoleonic Era and instilled in him an early fascination for the French emperor.
His family moved to Florence, Italy, for 14 years. While there he studied and became fluent in French, German, and Italian. While traveling Europe, touring battlefields and military cemeteries, he began collecting and making miniature model soldiers. After World War II, he moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where his collection further grew with the addition of original uniforms. He collected enough antique gear and uniforms to field a small army. He began but never completed cataloging his collection of items ranging in date from Classical Greece through World War I and housed in a large barn known locally as "Brem's Place." The barn, wagon shed, and ship studio contained not only the collection but also a master craftsman's studio and forge and an outstanding military reference library. From here Jackson gathered, restored, and researched his world-class holdings of militaria. He had an underground firing range on the property and occasionally even fired off cannons outside the barn. Although he occasionally corresponded with the Smithsonian's curators of military history, he never met with them and gave no notice of his intended bequest to the nation.
Much of his collection was part of a large bequest to the Smithsonian at his death in 1979.
General History
This type of sword was used by both French and American officers during the American Revolution.
Date made
1750-1770
ID Number
1980.0399.0227
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.0227
Physical DescriptionFolding camp stool with wooden frame and leather seat.Specific HistoryGeorge Washington's camp stool used during the Revolutionary War.General HistoryWhen Washington encamped with his army, the troops carred tents, a collapsible bed, folding tables, camp stool
Description
Physical Description
Folding camp stool with wooden frame and leather seat.
Specific History
George Washington's camp stool used during the Revolutionary War.
General History
When Washington encamped with his army, the troops carred tents, a collapsible bed, folding tables, camp stools, and bags and trunks filled with equipment. Two sets of camp chests were purchased by Washington on 3 May 1776. Another set was captured from a British ship and sent to Washington in October 1778. By 1782, Washington's camp equipment was so extensive that he requested from Quartermaster Timothy Pickering two horses just to carry the load.
user
Washington, George
ID Number
AF.79371M
catalog number
79371M
accession number
319870
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
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Signal Corps' Army Pictorial Service and Army Communications Service
ID Number
2013.0327.0219
catalog number
2013.0327.0219
accession number
2013.0327

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