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
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2013.0288.01
accession number
2013.0288
catalog number
2013.0288.01
The name "Old Glory" was loudly proclaimed in 1824 by Captain William Driver as he hoisted the flag given to him as a birthday present. The flag would accompany Driver on his numerous voyages around the world.
Description
The name "Old Glory" was loudly proclaimed in 1824 by Captain William Driver as he hoisted the flag given to him as a birthday present. The flag would accompany Driver on his numerous voyages around the world. When he gave up seafaring and moved inland to Nashville, Tennessee in 1837, Driver continued to display the flag proudly by hanging it from a locust tree. He even updated the flag in 1861 to reflect thirty-four stars and added an anchor in the corner to indicate his sea service. When Tennessee seceded from the Union, Driver had the foresight to hide the flag and had his daughter conceal it inside a quilt, which was overlooked in numerous raids on his house. Old Glory remained in the quilt until February 25, 1862 when Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Donelson and occupied Nashville. On that day Driver uncovered the flag, marched through the streets to the capitol building, climbed to its dome, and hoisted the flag for all to see.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1824
associated date
1862-02- 25
ID Number
AF.32605
catalog number
32605
accession number
69281
This headquarters flag was used by the Army of the Cumberland. This army was a main Union force in the Western Theater of the Civil War.
Description
This headquarters flag was used by the Army of the Cumberland. This army was a main Union force in the Western Theater of the Civil War. William Rosecrans commanded the Army of the Cumberland upon its organization in October 1862; its predecessor, the Army of Ohio, was formed in 1861. However after Rosecrans’s defeat at Chickamauga, George Thomas was appointed commander of the Army of the Cumberland because of his gallant actions and leadership in the battle, which earned him the name the “Rock of Chickamauga.” The Army of the Cumberland saw action in battles at Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and throughout the Atlanta Campaign.
associated date
1861-1865
associated person
Thomas, George Henry
ID Number
AF.25309
catalog number
25309
accession number
64127
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
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 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
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
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a green shield in the center of the flag. Inside the shield is a white anchor surmounted by a red or brown cannon. The cannon and anchor are diagonally crossed. Each corner of the flag forms a pie-shaped blue triangle.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a green shield in the center of the flag. Inside the shield is a white anchor surmounted by a red or brown cannon. The cannon and anchor are diagonally crossed. Each corner of the flag forms a pie-shaped blue triangle. The edges of the triangles that face the center of the flag are convex. White hoist with an inscription that reads "4th Brg 4th Div 9 Army Corps [illegible]."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25270M
catalog number
25270M
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 a wide blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red applique of two crossed swords. A blue or black number "3" is painted on top of the crossed swords. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a wide blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red applique of two crossed swords. A blue or black number "3" is painted on top of the crossed swords. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The hoist has an inscription on each side; one side reads "3rd Brg. 1st Div. Cavalry. Command." and the reverse side reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th St. Phila Pa." The flag has machine-stitched flat-felled panel seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25260E
catalog number
25260E
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
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border on the hoist edge. Blue square machine-stitched in the middle of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border on the hoist edge. Blue square machine-stitched in the middle of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Brg 3rd Div 25th Army Corps." Flag panels are machine-stitched with flat-felled seams. Hand-stitching at fly and on edge of hoist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25255Q
catalog number
25255Q
accession number
64127

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