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.

associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
1979.0220.011
accession number
1979.0220
catalog number
1979.0220.011
85300M
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
user
Boll, Walter G.
ID Number
AF.59411-N(1)
catalog number
59411-N(1)
accession number
262927
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 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 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
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Clark, James B.
ID Number
1977.0245.100
accession number
1977.0245
catalog number
1977.0245.100
user
Boll, Walter G.
ID Number
AF.59411-N(2)
catalog number
59411-N(2)
accession number
262927
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 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
date made
ca 1939
ID Number
2010.0247.02
accession number
2010.0247
catalog number
2010.0247.02
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General William H. Simpson. Simpson wears a olive drab service coat (with green tie) and officer pins on his lapels. He is completely bald and has brown eyes. Simpson is behind a blue background.Currently not on view
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General William H. Simpson. Simpson wears a olive drab service coat (with green tie) and officer pins on his lapels. He is completely bald and has brown eyes. Simpson is behind a blue background.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47001
catalog number
47001
accession number
166217
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Alex H. Patch. Patch wear a khaki uniform (without color insignia or stars on his shoulder loops) and a white scarf. He also wears a M1 helmet with three silver stars.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Alex H. Patch. Patch wear a khaki uniform (without color insignia or stars on his shoulder loops) and a white scarf. He also wears a M1 helmet with three silver stars. Patch is in front of a green background.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46998
catalog number
46998
accession number
46998
ID Number
2013.0152.01
accession number
2013.0152
catalog number
2013.0152.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1939
associated date
1943
ID Number
AF.58639M
catalog number
58639M
accession number
213624
serial number
F23005
Religion has an essential role in military history, which is reflected in military material. Steel-covered New Testaments were popular keepsake gifts for soldiers going off to fight in World War II.
Description
Religion has an essential role in military history, which is reflected in military material. Steel-covered New Testaments were popular keepsake gifts for soldiers going off to fight in World War II. Advertised in newspapers and magazines as protection from bullets, the small books were designed to be carried in the pocket over one's heart as both symbol and shield.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1996.0217.01
accession number
1996.0217
catalog number
1996.0217.01
This clock was built at the U. S. Naval Observatory about 1936 as part of an experimental program to control time signals transmitted by radio. It is a quartz clock, that is, it depends on a specially cut piece of quartz crystal to keep time.
Description
This clock was built at the U. S. Naval Observatory about 1936 as part of an experimental program to control time signals transmitted by radio. It is a quartz clock, that is, it depends on a specially cut piece of quartz crystal to keep time. The search for a better timekeeper than the best pendulum clocks led to the development of quartz-crystal clocks, the first of which telecommunications engineers at Bell Telephone Laboratories built in 1927 to monitor and control frequencies.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936
ID Number
ME.319994
catalog number
319994
accession number
240411
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1933 - 1934
ID Number
AF.74541M
catalog number
74541M
accession number
292881
Oil on thick illustration board. Portrait of Second Lieutenant Charles W. Shea. Shea wears a olive drab uniform with a blue scarf. He also wears a infantry pin on his collar and a artillery belt (which he grips with his left hand).
Description
Oil on thick illustration board. Portrait of Second Lieutenant Charles W. Shea. Shea wears a olive drab uniform with a blue scarf. He also wears a infantry pin on his collar and a artillery belt (which he grips with his left hand). Shea is clean shaven, has brown eyes, and red hair. He is in front of a white and blue background. Shea's signature in pencil is in the top right corner.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47016
catalog number
47016
accession number
166217
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
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.07
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.07
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

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.