Military

Frank Brownell's Medal of Honor

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.

Place: Philadelphia

Vogt Snare Drum

This snare drum was made by Ernest Vogt, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in1864. It has a blue-painted shell with a painted eagle design with a banner held in the eagle’s beak inscribed “REG: U.S. INFANTRY,” and two skin heads.
Description

This snare drum was made by Ernest Vogt, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in1864. It has a blue-painted shell with a painted eagle design with a banner held in the eagle’s beak inscribed “REG: U.S. INFANTRY,” and two skin heads. There are two red-painted wood hoops drilled with 10 holes each for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The shell is reinforced with brass tacks in a design unique to the workmanship of Ernest Vogt.

The label on the inside of the shell indicates Vogt received a government contract on December 29, 1864. Approximately 2,000 regiment drums under this contract, were made from the workshop of Ernest Vogt.

This drum was previously owned by the donor's grandfather, Samuel Kyle (1845-1924). Samuel Kyle served as a private in Company K, 22nd Regiment of New Jersey. Kyle was mustered in Septemebr 2, 1862 and mustered out June 22, 1863. As was the practice of the era, Kyle acquired this drum as a memento at the end of his tour of duty.

date made
1864
maker
Vogt, Ernest
ID Number
MI.069758
accession number
274169
catalog number
69758

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 20th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white five-point star in the center of the flag. In the center of the flag is a red number "20" stenciled on. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using blue cotton thread.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white five-point star in the center of the flag. In the center of the flag is a red number "20" stenciled on. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using blue cotton thread. The inscription on the hoist reads "Headquarters 20th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250A
catalog number
25250A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red circular cross. The cross resembles a Maltese cross whose outer edges are round, forming a circle. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red circular cross. The cross resembles a Maltese cross whose outer edges are round, forming a circle. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div 3rd Brg 16 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.25246G
catalog number
25246G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Division, 19th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field. In the center of the flag is a blue fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field. In the center of the flag is a blue fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div. 19th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila." The flag is machine-stitched.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249FF
catalog number
25249FF
accession number
64127

Congressional Gold Medal 65th Infantry Regiment "Borinqueneers"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
United States Mint
ID Number
2016.0100.01
accession number
2016.0100
catalog number
2016.0100.01

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Army Corps

Physical Description:Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a blue Maltese cross inside a circular blue border. Machine-stitched white cotton hoist with a brass grommet at either end. Hand-stitched seams.
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a blue Maltese cross inside a circular blue border. Machine-stitched white cotton hoist with a brass grommet at either end. Hand-stitched seams. The inscription on the hoist reads "5th ARMY Corps/3rd DIV/2nd BRIG From/Wm. F. Scheible/Philada.Pa./Contract. March 23, 1865."
General Description:
Fifth Army Corps (18 May 1862 - 28 June 1865)
The ensign representing the Fifth Corps, a Maltese Cross, was prescribed by General Joseph Hooker on march 21, 1863. The appearance of the cross on Fifth Corps flags varied.
The "Gallant Fifth" was created in march of 1862 as an element of the Army of the Potomac under General George B. McClellan. Soon afterwards the Department of the Shenandoah was create and the Fifth Corps transferred to it. My May 1862, the Fifth Corps of the Potomac was recreated; it remained in existence until June 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
contract date
1865-03-23
maker
William F. Scheible
ID Number
AF.25236C
catalog number
25236C
accession number
64127

Jewish Military Bible

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
ID Number
CL.302600
catalog number
302600
accession number
62178

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. Red heart in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 3rd Brg 1st Div."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. Red heart in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 3rd Brg 1st Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254G
catalog number
25254G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 9th Army Corps

Physical Description:Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a wide blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a green shield. On the shield, a white anchor is diagonally crossed with a red cannon (the cannon surmounts the anchor).
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a wide blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a green shield. On the shield, a white anchor is diagonally crossed with a red cannon (the cannon surmounts the anchor). White or undyed hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "9 ARMY CORPS 4 DIV 3 BRIG HORSTMANN, / PHILADELPHIA".
General Description:
Ninth Army Corps (22 July 1862 - 1 August 1865)
The Ninth Army Corps used several different flags during its existence between 22 July 1862 and 1 August 1865. The corps badge, authorized on April 19, 1864, called for the design of a shield on which a fouled anchor lies beneath a cannon. the regulation flag bearing the badge design came into use in the late summer of 1864.
The Corps was commanded by Major General Ambrose Burnside from its beginning. It is speculated that the shield represents the seal of the state of Rhode Island, General Burnsides' birthplace, and the fouled anchor refers to the Corp's participation in the Peninsular campaign.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860s
maker
William H. Horstmann & Sons
ID Number
AF.25270B
catalog number
25270B
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a cotton black cartridge box in the center of the flag. The cartridge box is outlined in white contrast stitching. On the front flap of the cartridge box is a yellow wool oval with the letters "U.S" painted in black.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a cotton black cartridge box in the center of the flag. The cartridge box is outlined in white contrast stitching. On the front flap of the cartridge box is a yellow wool oval with the letters "U.S" painted in black. Above the cartridge box, written in an arc, is the phrase "FORTY ROUNDS" in white letters. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Stamped on the hoist is the inscription "3rd Div 15th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25245L
catalog number
25245L
accession number
64127

Jewish Bible (Tanakh)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
publisher
Jewish Publication Society of America
ID Number
1996.0051.05
accession number
1996.0051
catalog number
1996.0051.05

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 22nd Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a red pentagonal cross. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a red pentagonal cross. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila 22 Army Corps 2nd Brg 1st Div." Machine-stitched seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252F
catalog number
25252F
accession number
64127

Model 1902

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1905
used date
1902 -
maker
Schuylkill Arsenal
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80780W16
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 6th Army Corps

Physical Description:Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two blue diagonal stripes; the stripes run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail and cross at the fork in the swallowtail. A cotton white number "6" surmounts the blue stripes.
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two blue diagonal stripes; the stripes run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail and cross at the fork in the swallowtail. A cotton white number "6" surmounts the blue stripes. White cotton hoist with a metal grommet at either end. Hand-stitched. The inscription on the hoist reads "From/Wm.F. Scheible 6th Corps/Philada. Pa./Contract March 23, 1865/Qr. Master."
General Description:
Sixth Army Corps (18 May 1862 - 28 June 1865)
Originally the Greek cross was the corps emblem for the Sixth Army Corps. Early in 1864, the cross was shifted 45 degrees to create the St. Andrews cross in 1864 that was used until the end of the war.
Known as "The Fighting Sixth" and "the most famous corps in the Civil War", the Sixth Army Corps was created on May 18, 1862 and discontinued in June 1865. The Sixth Corps was commanded by Major General John Sedgwick, who was known as "Uncle John" to his men. General Sedgwick was killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania. After the war, a member of his staff, Colonel James H. Platt, presented the headquarters flag of the Sixth Army Corps to the Association of Vermont Officers with the following letter:
"This flag should be especially dear and sacred to the old Vermont brigade, as it is the only one that our beloved Sedgwick ever used while he commanded the immortal 6th Corps. It was his headquarters battle flag. Always carried near his person in every action in which he commanded the corps, it will be recognized by every soldier of the Old Brigade at once, and must awaken in their hearts vivid memories of the numerous fields upon which, under its folds, they achieved so much of their imperishable renown. It will recall the noble Sedgwick, who loved them so well and was so well loved in return, who was at once the brave soldier, the able commander, the sincere friend; the best soldier and the noblest man it was ever our good fortune to serve under. It will also recall our brave comrades who sealed their devotion to their country by their heroic deaths upon the field of battle under its folds. I have regarded it as a precious and sacred relic; and, believing I had no right to retain it all to myself, have long contemplated presenting it to this association. I respectfully request my old comrades, through you, to accept it a valuable addition to their store of relics; that they will permit it to grace the hall at their annual reunions, and cherish it as a memento of our beloved Sedgwick and the old Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
contract date
1865-03-23
maker
William F. Scheible
ID Number
AF.25228X
catalog number
25228X
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 21st Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. On both the red and blue bands next to hoist is a cotton black five-point star applique with a white number "2" painted in each star.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. On both the red and blue bands next to hoist is a cotton black five-point star applique with a white number "2" painted in each star. White cotton canvas hoist with an inscription that reads "2nd Brg 2nd Div 21st Army Corps." The flag has machine-stitched flat-felled seams with hand-stitched edges.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251H
catalog number
25251H
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of West Virginia

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag an eagle, in flight, is stenciled in black pigment paint. The eagle faces the hoist and is clutching an olive branch and three arrows in its talons.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag an eagle, in flight, is stenciled in black pigment paint. The eagle faces the hoist and is clutching an olive branch and three arrows in its talons. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 2nd Div Dept of West Va."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25261I
catalog number
25261I
accession number
64127

Philadelphia City Guard recruitment poster

Recruiting poster for the Company D in the Philadelphia City Guard, officially the 157th Pennsylvania Volunteers, for service during the American Civil War.
Description
Recruiting poster for the Company D in the Philadelphia City Guard, officially the 157th Pennsylvania Volunteers, for service during the American Civil War. The poster advises "Don't wait to be Drafted, but Volunteer and receive the Bounty!" and highlights a combined bounty of $152 and a new gum blanket to be issued to new recruits.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1863-1865
associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
1978.0010.14
accession number
1978.0010
catalog number
1978.0010.14
85361M

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 9th Army Corps

Physical Description:Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field. There are two bicolor diagonal stripes that extend from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail; these stripes cross at the fork in the swallowtail.
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field. There are two bicolor diagonal stripes that extend from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail; these stripes cross at the fork in the swallowtail. The bicolor stripes are white on top and navy on bottom before the fork and navy on top and white on bottom on the swallowtails. A green cotton number "9" surmounts the stripes. White cotton hhoist with a metal grommet at each end. The hoist has an inscription that reads "9th ARMY Corps/Chief/Qr. Master From/Wm. F. Scheible/Philada Pa/Contract March 23, 1865." The flag is hand-stitched.
General Description:
Ninth Army Corps (22 July 1862 - 1 August 1865)
The Ninth Army Corps used several different flags during its existence between 22 July 1862 and 1 August 1865. The corps badge, authorized on April 19, 1864, called for the design of a shield on which a fouled anchor lies beneath a cannon. the regulation flag bearing the badge design came into use in the late summer of 1864.
The Corps was commanded by Major General Ambrose Burnside from its beginning. It is speculated that the shield represents the seal of the state of Rhode Island, General Burnsides' birthplace, and the fouled anchor refers to the Corp's participation in the Peninsular campaign.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
William F. Scheible
ID Number
AF.25270D
catalog number
25270D
accession number
64127

Model 1917

Date made
1917
associated date
1917 - 1918
maker
Aloe, Sidney A
ID Number
2007.0047.01
catalog number
2007.0047.01
accession number
2007.0047

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue St. Andrew's cross in center of flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div 6 Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue St. Andrew's cross in center of flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div 6 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25228O
catalog number
25228O
accession number
64127

Klemm & Brothers Bugle

This bugle was made by Klemm & Brothers in Philadelphia around 1842-1861. It is a C bugle, single coil, made of copper with a brass bell garland, ferrule, and lead pipe.
Description

This bugle was made by Klemm & Brothers in Philadelphia around 1842-1861. It is a C bugle, single coil, made of copper with a brass bell garland, ferrule, and lead pipe. This bugle, also called a “clarion,” is typical of the bugles produced for United States Army around 1855 to the 1880s.

The bell is inscribed:

"KLEMM & BRO.
PHILAD

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1842-1861
maker
Klemm & Brothers
Klemm & Brothers
ID Number
MI.65.0634
accession number
1991.0406
catalog number
65.0634

"General Grant's Grand March"

This sheet music is for the composition “General Grant’s Grand March,” by E. Mack. It was published by E. B. Swisher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907. The cover features an image of Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding General, U.S.
Description
This sheet music is for the composition “General Grant’s Grand March,” by E. Mack. It was published by E. B. Swisher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907. The cover features an image of Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding General, U.S. Army, 1864-1869, and President of the United States, 1869-1877.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1907
depicted (sitter)
Grant, Ulysses S.
ID Number
1984.0024.01
accession number
1984.0024
catalog number
1984.0024.01

Designating Flag, 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, 8th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue six-point star in the center of the flag. Each corner forms a pie-shaped red triangle; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue six-point star in the center of the flag. Each corner forms a pie-shaped red triangle; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist reads "4th Brg 3rd Div 8 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25238R
catalog number
25238R
accession number
64127

Model 1882; Dismounted

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1882
used date
1882 -
ID Number
AF.25101.140
catalog number
25101.140
designer number
82
accession number
64127

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