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.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1851
ID Number
AF.22753
catalog number
22753
accession number
64127
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
associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
1979.0220.011
accession number
1979.0220
catalog number
1979.0220.011
85300M
associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
AF.12072
catalog number
12072
accession number
52412
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
1998.0165.25.03
accession number
1998.0165
catalog number
1998.0165.25.03
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
associated date
1886
ID Number
AF.58658-N(6-A)
catalog number
58658-N(6-A)
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
associated date
1833 - 1840
ID Number
AF.25125.023
catalog number
25125.023
accession number
64127
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
AF.76229M
catalog number
76229M
user
Boll, Walter G.
ID Number
AF.59411-N(1)
catalog number
59411-N(1)
accession number
262927
associated date
1886
ID Number
AF.58656-N(6-A)
catalog number
58656-N(6-A)
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1943 -
ID Number
1977.1020.01
accession number
1977.1020
catalog number
1977.1020.01
82766M
Physical DescriptionInk on paper.Specific HistoryCommittee of Safety commission to J. Guild from J. Warren, 24 April 1775.Currently not on view
Description
Physical Description
Ink on paper.
Specific History
Committee of Safety commission to J. Guild from J. Warren, 24 April 1775.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1775-04-24
associated date
1775 04 24
originator (author or composer, etc.)
Warren, Joseph
recipient
Guild, Joseph
Associated Name
Guthman, William H.
maker
Warren, Joseph
Committee of Safety
ID Number
AF.70929M
catalog number
70929M
accession number
279553
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
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 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

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.