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.

This colorful chromolithograph contains an animated scene of the Union volunteer refreshment saloon located near the Navy Yard at Swanson and Washington Avenues in Philadelphia, as it appeared in November of 1863.
Description
This colorful chromolithograph contains an animated scene of the Union volunteer refreshment saloon located near the Navy Yard at Swanson and Washington Avenues in Philadelphia, as it appeared in November of 1863. Located on a railroad hub linking the North and the South, the saloon was staffed by volunteers and provided relief for Union troops to soldiers on their way to or returning from battlefields in the South. Its services included warm meals, temporary housing, medical services, and washing facilities. From its opening on May 27, 1861, to its closing on December 1, 1865, over 800,000 men were assisted in this saloon and served over 1,025,000 meals. In the print, a crowd of civilians and a few wounded soldiers line the street to welcome a formation of soldiers who parade down the road towards the saloon. At the right, men another unit depart the saloon and board a Philadelphia, Wilmington, & Baltimore railroad car, bound for the battlefront. A band dressed in road uniforms performs patriotic songs while American flags are waved in the crowd and dot the skyline of the scene. The names of men who were involved in collecting donations for the saloon are listed in the lower margin along with the names of its committee members.
The Philadelphia saloons received support from the United States Sanitary Commission, a relief agency approved by the War Department on June 18, 1861 to provide assistance to sick, wounded, and travelling Union soldiers. Although the leaders of the Commission were men, the agency depended on thousands of women, who collected donations, volunteered as nurses in hospitals, and offered assistance at rest stations and refreshment saloons. They also sponsored Sanitary Fairs in Northern cities, raising millions of dollars used to send food, clothing, and medicine to Union soldiers.
The print was created by James Fuller Queen, a pioneering chromolithographer active in Philadelphia, who served in a Civil War militia between 1862 and 1863. Its printer, Thomas S. Sinclair, was a Scottish immigrant to Philadelphia who worked in the lithographic shop of John Collins, before taking over the business the next year. His firm was profitable into the 1880s, producing maps, city views, certificates, book illustrations, political cartoons, sheet music covers, and fashion advertisements.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861
lithographer
Sinclair, Thomas
artist
Queen, James
ID Number
DL.60.3799
catalog number
60.3799
This print depicts American forces attacking the fortress palace of Chapultepec on Sept. 13th, 1847. General Winfield Scott, on a white horse (lower left), led the southern division of the U.S. Army that successfully captured Mexico City during the Mexican American War.
Description
This print depicts American forces attacking the fortress palace of Chapultepec on Sept. 13th, 1847. General Winfield Scott, on a white horse (lower left), led the southern division of the U.S. Army that successfully captured Mexico City during the Mexican American War. The outcome of American victory was the loss of Mexico's northern territories, from California to New Mexico, by the terms set in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It should be noted that the two countries ratified different versions of the same peace treaty, with the United States ultimately eliminating provisions for honoring the land titles of its newly absorbed Mexican citizens. Despite notable opposition to the war from Americans like Abraham Lincoln, John Quincy Adams, and Henry David Thoreau, the Mexican-American War proved hugely popular. The United States' victory boosted American patriotism and the country's belief in Manifest Destiny.
This large chromolithograph was first distributed in 1848 by Nathaniel Currier of Currier and Ives, who served as the "sole agent." The lithographers, Sarony & Major of New York (1846-1857) copied it from a painting by "Walker." While the current location of that painting is unknown, when the print was created, the painting was owned by Captain B. S. Roberts of the Mounted Rifles, as indicated by an inscription below the image.
The original artist has previously been incorrectly attributed to William Aiken Walker as well as Henry A. Walke, as both worked at various times with Currier. The artist of the original painting however is James Walker (1819-1889), who created the "Battle of Chapultepec" 1857-1862 for the U.S. Capitol. This image differs from the painting commissioned for the U. S. Capitol by depicting the troops in regimented battle lines with General Scott in a more prominent position in the foreground. Variant copies of the image from different viewpoints were painted by Walker. James Walker was living in Mexico City at the outbreak of the Mexican War and joined the American forces as an interpreter. Attached to General Worth's staff, he was present at the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, and at Chapultepec was tasked as the artist. Captain Benjamin Stone Roberts, an engineer, was assigned by General Winfield Scott to assist Walker with recreating the details of the battle of Chapultepec. Roberts is depicted in the painting as leading the storming. When the painting was complete, Roberts purchased a copy of the painting for $250.00 (documented in letters and a diary). Captain George T. M. Davis, aide-de-camp to Generals Quitman and Shields also purchased a copy of the painting by Walker, in Mexico City, which was publicized in newspapers and made into a print. By 1848, James Walker had returned to a New York City studio in the same neighborhood as the print's distributor Nathaniel Currier and lithographers Napoleon Sarony and Henry B. Major.
This popular lithograph was one of several published to visually document the war while engaging the imagination of the public. Created prior to photography, these prints were meant to inform the public, while generally eliminating the portrayal of more gory details. Historians have been able to use at least some prints of the Mexican War for study and corroborate with the traditional literary forms of documentation. As an eyewitness, both Walke and Walker could claim accuracy of detail within the narrative. The battle is presented in the grand, historic, heroic style with the brutality of war not portrayed. The print depiction is quite large for a chromo of the period. In creating the chromolithographic interpretation of the painting, Sarony & Major used at least four large stones to produce the print "in colours," making the most of their use of color. They also defined each figure with precision by outlining each in black. This print was considered by expert/collector Harry T. Peters as one of the finest ever produced by Sarony & Major.
Description (Spanish)
Este grabado ilustra a las fuerzas americanas atacando la fortaleza del palacio de Chapultepec el 13 de septiembre de 1847. El General Winfield Scott, representado en la esquina inferior izquierda montando un caballo blanco, condujo la división sureña del ejército estadounidense que tomó con éxito la ciudad de México durante la guerra mexicoamericana. El resultado de la victoria americana se tradujo en la pérdida para México de los territorios al norte del país, desde California hasta Nuevo México. Estos términos quedaron establecidos en el tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo. Debe observarse que las dos naciones ratificaron diferentes versiones del mismo tratado de paz, con los Estados Unidos eliminando en última instancia cláusulas que reconocían títulos territoriales a los ciudadanos mexicanos recientemente asimilados. A pesar de la notable oposición de los americanos a la guerra, como Abraham Lincoln, John Quincy Adams y Henry David Thoreau, la Guerra Mexicoamericana evidenció ser considerablemente popular. La victoria de los Estados Unidos reforzó el patriotismo americano y la fe del país en el Destino Manifiesto.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1848
associated date
1847-09-13
distributor
Currier, Nathaniel
depicted
Scott, Winfield
lithographer
Sarony & Major
artist
Walker, James
ID Number
DL.60.2602
catalog number
60.2602
accession number
228146
Physical DescriptionRed, white, and blue silk flag.Specific HistoryThis flag belonged to the 84th Infantry Regiment, United States Colored Troops. The red stripes bear the regiment's name and number.
Description
Physical Description
Red, white, and blue silk flag.
Specific History
This flag belonged to the 84th Infantry Regiment, United States Colored Troops. The red stripes bear the regiment's name and number. Inscribed on the flag are Port Hudson, where the Louisiana Native Guards and the Corps d'Afrique fought before the 84th formed, as well as four battles in which the regiment took part during the Red River Campaign and an engagement in Texas at war's end.
General History
In June 1863 the Louisiana Native Guards became part of the Corps d’Afrique, and in 1864 soldiers from that corps formed the 84th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops. The unit was organized April 4, 1864 and mustered out of service on March 14, 1866. The unit fought primarily in Louisiana with three other regiments of colored troops and a larger force of Union volunteers.
date made
ca 1864
ID Number
1982.0379.01
accession number
1982.0379
catalog number
1982.0379.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910s
ID Number
1986.3048.1742
nonaccession number
1986.3048
catalog number
1986.3048.1742
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
AF.84319M
accession number
1978.0398
catalog number
1978.0398.01
84319M
Physical DescriptionRed, white, and blue cloth.General HistoryThe Confederate battle flag was born of necessity after the Battle of Bull Run. Amid the smoke and general chaos of battle, it was hard to distinguish the Confederate national flag, the “Stars and Bars," from the U.
Description
Physical Description
Red, white, and blue cloth.
General History
The Confederate battle flag was born of necessity after the Battle of Bull Run. Amid the smoke and general chaos of battle, it was hard to distinguish the Confederate national flag, the “Stars and Bars," from the U. S. national flag, the "Stars and Stripes.” Confederate Congressman William Porcher Miles suggested that the army have a distinct battle flag. General Pierre T. Beauregard chose a variation on the cross of St. Andrew. The battle flag features a blue cross, edged with a white band on a red field. There are three stars on each arm of the cross and one star in the center. The stars represented each of the states of the Confederacy, plus one. Beauregard was betting that one of the states with pro-Confederacy leanings, Maryland, Kentucky, or Missouri, would join the Southern cause. That never happened, but the flag remained the same for the remainder of the war.
date made
1861
associated date
1863-07-02
ID Number
AF.59858M
catalog number
59858M
accession number
219818
Physical DescriptionPink silk with oil paint. The canton consists of seven silver and six pink stripes. The center of the guidon is a painted badge of a winged and fulminating thundercloud with ten gold-colored thunderbolts emanating like rays of the sun.
Description
Physical Description
Pink silk with oil paint. The canton consists of seven silver and six pink stripes. The center of the guidon is a painted badge of a winged and fulminating thundercloud with ten gold-colored thunderbolts emanating like rays of the sun. Under the badge is a silver scroll with the motto "PATa CONCITa FULMnt NATI"; a rough translation is: "The fatherland/country calls/expects its sons to respond with/in tones of thunder."
Specific History
Squadron Guidon or Color, Second Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons, also known as Tallmadge's Dragoons.
This artifact is one of three known surviving components of a suite of four, and possibly five, colors carried by the Second Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons during the Revolutionary War. Although no definitive order has survived specifying the number of colors to be carried by a regiment of Continental Light Dragoons--nor for that matter respecting the colors to be carried by a regiment of Continental infantry--research into the subject of Continental regimental colors indicates that at least two and as many as five colors were considered appropriate for each infantry or cavalry regiment.
Other surviving regimental colors of the Second Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons are: 1. National Standard, captured by Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton, July 2, 1779, at Bedford and Pound Ridge, Westchester County, New York. Sold at auction June 14, 2006, by Sotheby's New York, to undisclosed individual in the United States. 2. Blue or Regimental Standard, owned by the Connecticut State Library, Hartford, Connecticut.
This guidon was referenced in the Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge published by the Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York in 1904. This "pink" standard was known to be in the possession of Mr. F. E. Harper of New York City (reference from Gherardi Davis, Regimental Colors in the War of the Revolution [1907]).
The guidon was later referenced in American and French Flags of the Revolution 1775-1783, by F. E. Shermerhorn (1948) as having been owned by Senator Morgan G. Bulkeley, but "in some curious fashion, never explained, this flag disappeared and its whereabouts is not known...."
The artifact was donated to the Smithsonian in 1968 by the Estate of Emily Howell Wilkins, daughter of Emily Howell, who was the daughter of Mary Tallmadge of New York City. Research as to family lineage has not been completed.
General History
The Second Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons, also known as Tallmadge's Dragoons, was named for Major Benjamin Tallmadge. Commissioned on June 20, 1776, he was eventually promoted to the rank of colonel, and became the chief intelligence officer for George Washington.
He organized the "Culper" spy ring on Long Island and in New York City in 1778 when asked by General George Washington. The city was then occupied by a strong British force under the command of General Sir Henry Clinton. Members of the Culper network also kept Clinton's headquarters under constant surveillance and were able to report to Tallmadge any loyalists posing as patriots who visited the British commander. In 1780, the network's information saved a French army marching to Washington's aid.
Date made
1777
associated person
Tallmadge, Jr., Benjamin
ID Number
AF.73540M
catalog number
73540M
accession number
285560
Physical DescriptionThis flag is made of white silk damask.
Description
Physical Description
This flag is made of white silk damask. One side features a wreath of green palm and a laurel branch tied with pink ribbon around a crown with the letters "M.Z.B." for Markgraf zu Brandenburg over date "1775." A scroll bears the motto "pro pincipe patria" or "for prince and fatherland." The other side bears the monogram "S.E.T.C.A." for Sincere et Constanter, Alexander, or "truthfully and steadfastly, Alexander, which is the motto of the Prussian order of the Read Eagle and the Margraves of Brandendburg-Ansbach-Bayreuth.
Specific History
This Ansbach-Bayreuth Regimental flag was surrendered at Yorktown, 19 October 1781. It was sent to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia as a trophy and is one of the few to survive.
General History
Defeated British and German troops refused to recognize the Americans as their victors, fixing their gaze on the French troops. When the French fife and drum corps played Yankee Doodle, the surrendering armies turned away and glared directly into the faces of the victorious Americans.
date made
1775
date surrendered
1781 10 19
ID Number
AF.65765M
catalog number
65765M
accession number
223705
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1775-1776
associated date
1776 - 1781
ID Number
AF.66788M
catalog number
66788M
accession number
235383
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1919
ca 1898
associated date
1898
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82660W24
Sailors sometimes used their off-duty hours aboard ship to do hand crafts such as carving, knotting, and needlework. This sailor's silk embroidery on linen of patriotic symbols and Civil War-related scenes, was "Worked at sea by J. M. Adams" in the late 19th century.
Description
Sailors sometimes used their off-duty hours aboard ship to do hand crafts such as carving, knotting, and needlework. This sailor's silk embroidery on linen of patriotic symbols and Civil War-related scenes, was "Worked at sea by J. M. Adams" in the late 19th century. It is 20-1/2 inches long. The center vignette has "Liberty" seated on a wharf beside the "Mississippi River," looking at a three-masted ship flying the stars and stripes. She holds a pole topped with a liberty cap in her left hand and a shield decorated with stars, stripes, and the word "Liberty" in her right. An anchor and cannon balls are at her feet.
"United States of America" and "In God We Trust" are embroidered on the scene's circular frame. Atop the frame is an American eagle holding an "E Pluribus Unum" banner. A rising sun is behind the eagle, and a stars-and-stripes shield is at its feet. To the right and left of the eagle are rifles with bayonets and American flags. To the right of the frame is a sailor; at the left is a soldier in Zouave uniform. The corner vignettes depict: 1. The "Battle of Mill Creek," fought in Kentucky on January 19, 1862, ending in a Union victory and a Confederate retreat. It is based on an engraving published by Johnson, Fry & Co., New York, from a painting by Alonzo Chappel. 2.The "Death of Ellsworth" in Alexandria, Va. He was the first Union soldier killed in the Civil War. It is based on an illustration in Harper's Weekly of June 15, 1861, from a sketch by Francis Brownell, a young Zouave soldier who immediately avenged Colonel Ellsworth's death and became a national hero. 3. Monument in Charlestown, Mass; designed by Martin and Joseph Milmore. Dedicated in 187l, it reads, "Erected in memory of the heroes of Charlestown who fell in the late Civil War." 4. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument on "Boston Common," Massachusetts. Designed by Martin Milmore and dedicated in 1877.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th Century
maker
Adams, J. M.
ID Number
TE.E388178
catalog number
E388178
accession number
182022
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1898
associated date
1898
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82660W23
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a blue circle in the center of the flag. Three-piece construction. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "3rd Div'n 1st Army Corps".Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a blue circle in the center of the flag. Three-piece construction. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "3rd Div'n 1st Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25232N
catalog number
25232N
accession number
64127
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue triangles forming each corner. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. A red St. Andrew's cross (or X) is in the center of the flag.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue triangles forming each corner. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. A red St. Andrew's cross (or X) is in the center of the flag. On the upper edge of the flag, to the left of the fly, is a patch repair. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "4th Brg 1st Div 6 Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25228H
catalog number
25228H
accession number
64127
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white five-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div. 20thArmy Corps R.C. Toy 49 N.9th Phila."Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white five-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div. 20thArmy Corps R.C. Toy 49 N.9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250I
catalog number
25250I
accession number
64127
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with yellow fringe on all edges of the flag except for the hoist. There are two blue stripes the cross diagonally where at the fork in the swallowtail. A white number "17" applique surmounts the blue stripes.
Description
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with yellow fringe on all edges of the flag except for the hoist. There are two blue stripes the cross diagonally where at the fork in the swallowtail. A white number "17" applique surmounts the blue stripes. Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using white thread. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "Chief Q.M. 15 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25247C
catalog number
25247C
accession number
64127
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with pie-shaped red triangles forming the three corners. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. In the center of the flag is a white fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross).
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with pie-shaped red triangles forming the three corners. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. In the center of the flag is a white fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div 4th Brg 19th Army Corps R.C. Toy 49 N. 9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249EE
catalog number
25249EE
accession number
64127
Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Red field with a white four-pointed star in the center of the flag. The number "1" is painted in black in the center of the star. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets.
Description
Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Red field with a white four-pointed star in the center of the flag. The number "1" is painted in black in the center of the star. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div 19 Army Corps [illegible]." The flag is machine stitched.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
design date
before 1863
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249A
catalog number
25249A
accession number
64127
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Red field with a black cartridge box in the center of the flag. On the front flap of the cartridge box is a yellow oval, or plate, with the letters "U.S." Above the cartridge box, in black letters, is written "FORTY ROUNDS" in an arc.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Red field with a black cartridge box in the center of the flag. On the front flap of the cartridge box is a yellow oval, or plate, with the letters "U.S." Above the cartridge box, in black letters, is written "FORTY ROUNDS" in an arc. White hoist with an inscription reading "1st Div 15 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25245D
catalog number
25245D
accession number
64127
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red diamond in center of flag. Each corner forms a blue triangle; the edge of these triangles that face the diamond is curved. The triangle on the fly corner is much smaller than those on the hoist. White cotton hoist.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red diamond in center of flag. Each corner forms a blue triangle; the edge of these triangles that face the diamond is curved. The triangle on the fly corner is much smaller than those on the hoist. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flat felled seams. White and blue threads. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div'n 4th Brg 3rd Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25234G
catalog number
25234G
accession number
64127
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a red five-point star. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div. 2nd Brg. 20th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a red five-point star. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div. 2nd Brg. 20th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250F
catalog number
25250F
accession number
64127
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag there is a blue six-point star. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Br. 3rd Div. 8 Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag there is a blue six-point star. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Br. 3rd Div. 8 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25238P
catalog number
25238P
accession number
64127
Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal triband design. Top and bottom band are blue; the middle band is white. In the center of the middle band is a black painted number "2" cotton applique. White cotton canvas hoist without grommets.
Description
Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal triband design. Top and bottom band are blue; the middle band is white. In the center of the middle band is a black painted number "2" cotton applique. White cotton canvas hoist without grommets. The hoist has an inscription that reads "1st Div 2nd Brg 19 Army Corps Prior to 1863." Machine stitching throughout the flag.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
design date
before 1863
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249C
catalog number
25249C
accession number
64127
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue six-point star in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div. 8 Army Corps...[illegible]."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue six-point star in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div. 8 Army Corps...[illegible]."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25238O
catalog number
25238O
accession number
64127

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