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.

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch depicts the edge of a wooded area, with timber fortifications in the center of the scene. Hills and small houses in the background.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch depicts the edge of a wooded area, with timber fortifications in the center of the scene. Hills and small houses in the background. Belleau Wood was the scene of intense fighting between Allied soldiers and the German Army towards the end of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26028
catalog number
26028
accession number
64592
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne on July 22, 1918. Depicted are two ammunition trucks driving along the war torn road.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne on July 22, 1918. Depicted are two ammunition trucks driving along the war torn road. The truck at the back is partially obscured by fog or smoke in the background. On the right, a dead American soldier is lying on the side of the road next to a tree stump. His helmet is lying in the middle of the road. On the left, an American soldier is kneeling on the side of the road by a wooden cross. An explosion of yellow, red, and black smoke rises into the air behind him. Written at the bottom by the artist in pencil is: "Sketch. The road between / Jacqluer [sic] & Mont St. Pierre / on the Marne. July 22, / 1918. / One of Col. [illegibile]s Racehorses / These ammunitions trucks went / where ambulances could not and / served the double purpose of ammunitions / carriers and ambulances."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67523M
catalog number
67523M
accession number
229290
Charcoal sketch on white paper of American soldiers American soldiers huddled in a trench, presumably getting ready for battle and preparing for a gas attack. Some soldiers are wearing gas masks, while others peek over the trench walls.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of American soldiers American soldiers huddled in a trench, presumably getting ready for battle and preparing for a gas attack. Some soldiers are wearing gas masks, while others peek over the trench walls. In the background at right there is an overturned tank behind a dead horse. There is barbed wire in the background on the left. Toxic gasses, such as chlorine and mustard gas, were used in World War I by enemy armies as part of chemical warfare. When gas was detected, an alarm was raised and soldiers would put on their gas masks to avoid injuries, such as chemical burns and blindness, or death.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26115
catalog number
26115
accession number
64592
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier standing in the foreground on the left. He is next to an elaborate cross on a hill, looking out over a village, which is in the background on the right.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier standing in the foreground on the left. He is next to an elaborate cross on a hill, looking out over a village, which is in the background on the right. The Argonne forest was the site of a major battle during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26063
catalog number
26063
accession number
64592
A charcoal sketch on paper. This landscape shows Grandpre, France. In the foreground is a battleground with dugouts, barbed wire entanglements, and a bare tree on the left.
Description
A charcoal sketch on paper. This landscape shows Grandpre, France. In the foreground is a battleground with dugouts, barbed wire entanglements, and a bare tree on the left. Beyond the battleground are shell torn buildings, including a large church in the center that has some roof damage. The church is most likely the Église Saint-Médard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25989
catalog number
25989
accession number
64592
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows groups of American soldiers marching off into the distance between army motor trucks on a dirt road. The road is surrounded by large dead trees and barbed wire entanglements on either side. Rolling hills and fields in the distance.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows groups of American soldiers marching off into the distance between army motor trucks on a dirt road. The road is surrounded by large dead trees and barbed wire entanglements on either side. Rolling hills and fields in the distance. The sky is very cloudy and dark with observation balloons floating in the distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26080
catalog number
26080
accession number
64592
Oil painting on canvas of an American machine gun emplacement at Seicheprey, France. Two American soldiers in olive drab uniforms are sitting in the middle of a cemetery next to their Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of an American machine gun emplacement at Seicheprey, France. Two American soldiers in olive drab uniforms are sitting in the middle of a cemetery next to their Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun. There are tombstones all around the soldiers, some of which have toppled over. A section of the rock wall surrounding the cemetery has been partially destroyed at right, giving the machine gunners a better sight line. The soldiers have positioned the gun on the rubble from the ruined wall, with the barrel of the gun pointing out of the cemetery. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, Saishprey [sic], AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25709
catalog number
25709
accession number
64592
Gouache and oil on beige paper mounted flush on brown board. The drawing depicts an American supply train during World War I. The drawing shows two buildings with trees in the background. The large building is shell-torn.
Description
Gouache and oil on beige paper mounted flush on brown board. The drawing depicts an American supply train during World War I. The drawing shows two buildings with trees in the background. The large building is shell-torn. In the foreground, two supply carts are shown along with several supply bags at front right. An active scene, there are approximately nine soldiers wearing green uniforms standing around, sitting in the cart, and one on horseback. There is another soldier wearing blue on horseback entering from the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25645
catalog number
25645
accession number
64592
Oil painting on canvas of two American soldiers carrying another soldier on a stretcher along a line of barbed wire. The stretcher bearers are in uniform and are wearing helmets with their gas mask bags hanging from their necks.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of two American soldiers carrying another soldier on a stretcher along a line of barbed wire. The stretcher bearers are in uniform and are wearing helmets with their gas mask bags hanging from their necks. The soldier in front is looking up into the distance as he walks, while the soldier in back is walking with his head bowed. The soldier on the stretcher is wrapped in a blanket and his face is white; he is either severely injured or dead. The sky is gray with faint light coming from the left. A line of fog is rolling in from the left, slightly obscuring the soldiers and the barbed wire. At the bottom of the painting among the grass are tiny red and blue flowers. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25719
catalog number
25719
accession number
64592
Pastel and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers advancing during the Second Battle of the Marne. Soldiers in uniform with guns and bayonets drawn advance up a hill that is covered in long grass with blue and red flowers.
Description
Pastel and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers advancing during the Second Battle of the Marne. Soldiers in uniform with guns and bayonets drawn advance up a hill that is covered in long grass with blue and red flowers. In the background at left is a cluster of trees, one of which has almost been cut in half and leans in the direction of the soldiers. In the background at right is a war torn village. The sky overhead is full of dark blue and gray clouds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67520M
catalog number
67520M
accession number
229290
A charcoal and pastel sketch on paper of the Fourth Corps Headquarter sat Hesperange, Luxembourg during World War I. The scene is of a wide road leading through a village. Buildings on the left fly French and American flags.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and pastel sketch on paper of the Fourth Corps Headquarter sat Hesperange, Luxembourg during World War I. The scene is of a wide road leading through a village. Buildings on the left fly French and American flags.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25969
catalog number
25969
accession number
64592
Charcoal and ink wash on white board. The ruined village of Varennes, France is visible on the far side of a canal bordered by a wall. The buildings are shell-torn and debris spills out in to the road running beside the river.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash on white board. The ruined village of Varennes, France is visible on the far side of a canal bordered by a wall. The buildings are shell-torn and debris spills out in to the road running beside the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25860
catalog number
25860
accession number
64592
Charcoal sketch on white paper of two American soldiers standing next to a 152 millimeter German field Howitzer. The gun appears to have been left by retreating Germans. The soldiers are in uniform and the soldier at front is standing with his hands on his hips.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of two American soldiers standing next to a 152 millimeter German field Howitzer. The gun appears to have been left by retreating Germans. The soldiers are in uniform and the soldier at front is standing with his hands on his hips. There is a group of horses and an American soldier behind them to the left, and a large nondescript Howitzer behind them on the right. There are open, rolling fields in the far distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26111
catalog number
26111
accession number
64592
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. Troops and army trucks pass over a small bridge. A sign posted on the bridge reads "Langsam Fahren" or "Drive Slowly". A large building sits atop a hill in the background of the scene.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. Troops and army trucks pass over a small bridge. A sign posted on the bridge reads "Langsam Fahren" or "Drive Slowly". A large building sits atop a hill in the background of the scene. Buildings line the road on the right side of the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25823
catalog number
25823
accession number
64592
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch is of a room in the bishop's palace at Verdun, France during World War I. The focal point is a broken window in the center of the sketch. The rest of the room is also in disrepair.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch is of a room in the bishop's palace at Verdun, France during World War I. The focal point is a broken window in the center of the sketch. The rest of the room is also in disrepair. Through the window is a view of the village of Verdun.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25999
catalog number
25999
accession number
64592
Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. In the foreground, a damaged bridge extends halfway across a river. Soldiers in the river are repairing the bridge. In the background, buildings line the far bank of the river.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. In the foreground, a damaged bridge extends halfway across a river. Soldiers in the river are repairing the bridge. In the background, buildings line the far bank of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25876
catalog number
25876
accession number
64592
Watercolor and pastel on white paper of two six-ton Renault FT-17 tanks (also called "light tanks") climbing a hill. The Renault FT-17 is a two-man tank with the driver seated in front and the gunner standing behind him in the turret.
Description
Watercolor and pastel on white paper of two six-ton Renault FT-17 tanks (also called "light tanks") climbing a hill. The Renault FT-17 is a two-man tank with the driver seated in front and the gunner standing behind him in the turret. The turret is fully rotating and is mounted with a machine gun. The tank's motor compartment is in back. The tank has two tracked drive wheels which allow it to maneuver over rough terrain and a rear tail to help maintain balance when crossing trenches. The Renault is a French tank and is generally considered to be the world's first modern tank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26110
catalog number
26110
accession number
64592
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache drawing on beige textured paper. The work depicts refugees returning to a shell torn village in Hatton Chattel, France. Older men, women, children, sheep and a mule laden with clothing gather in front of a severely damaged building.
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache drawing on beige textured paper. The work depicts refugees returning to a shell torn village in Hatton Chattel, France. Older men, women, children, sheep and a mule laden with clothing gather in front of a severely damaged building. An American soldier is standing in the center of the drawing. In the foreground on the left, a man in dark clothes stands looking at the crowd.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25664
catalog number
25664
accession number
64592
Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts a damaged house on the corner of a street in Badonviller, France during World War I. The roof and one wall of the house are shell-torn, with structural elements, rafters, and the chimney visible from the street.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts a damaged house on the corner of a street in Badonviller, France during World War I. The roof and one wall of the house are shell-torn, with structural elements, rafters, and the chimney visible from the street. Pairs of soldiers are walking past and gathered around the house.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25939
catalog number
25939
accession number
64592
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white card stock. The center of the village of Varennes is destroyed. A soldier on a motorcycle and several vehicles pass along the main raid through the village.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white card stock. The center of the village of Varennes is destroyed. A soldier on a motorcycle and several vehicles pass along the main raid through the village.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25845
catalog number
25845
accession number
64592
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Hattonchatel, France. The town sits atop a hill; in the field below is a barbed wire fence.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Hattonchatel, France. The town sits atop a hill; in the field below is a barbed wire fence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25980
catalog number
25980
accession number
64592
Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Large wagon in foreground. On the right, sitting up against a building, a line of American troops and French women are stripping willow boughs for baskets. Team of mules on the left. Trees in the background and hills in the distance.
Description
Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Large wagon in foreground. On the right, sitting up against a building, a line of American troops and French women are stripping willow boughs for baskets. Team of mules on the left. Trees in the background and hills in the distance. A label affixed to the lower right corner of the drawing reads: "1. x16392/IN BILLETS. American boys helping French women strip willow/bows [sic] for baskets./Reherry." The sketch is affixed to a larger piece of cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25770
catalog number
25770
accession number
64592
Graphite, black crayon, sanguine crayon, and white gouache sketch. Village scene with traditional houses around a road. Several children, a woman, and a dog are in the road, along with two American soldiers and a horse.
Description
Graphite, black crayon, sanguine crayon, and white gouache sketch. Village scene with traditional houses around a road. Several children, a woman, and a dog are in the road, along with two American soldiers and a horse. On the far right of the sketch, several men are sitting together next to a fence. The sketch is done on dark gray wove paper and mounted on tan card ruled with decorative lines. Written beneath the sketch, on the tan card, is the following inscription: "An invaded village in Germany-/Zone of the American Army of Occupation".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-15
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704A
catalog number
25704A
accession number
64592
Charcoal sketch. Shell bursts light up the horizon in the background. Soldiers in foreground, crouched and on the move. A horse is hitched to machine gun equipment. Three denuded trees between the soldiers and the horizon.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch. Shell bursts light up the horizon in the background. Soldiers in foreground, crouched and on the move. A horse is hitched to machine gun equipment. Three denuded trees between the soldiers and the horizon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25774
catalog number
25774
accession number
64592

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