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.

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
licensee
Thompson
maker
Auto-Ordnance Corporation
ID Number
AF.76531M
catalog number
76531M
accession number
304325
serial number
60886
General HistoryThe uniform of the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry (Duryée's Zouaves), 1861, consisted of a distinctive jacket, vest, sash, baggy trousers, and fez.
Description
General History
The uniform of the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry (Duryée's Zouaves), 1861, consisted of a distinctive jacket, vest, sash, baggy trousers, and fez. The Zouave uniform adopted on both sides by many volunteer units during the first year of the Civil War was based on that of the elite Zouave battalion of the French Army, whose dashing appearance matched its fighting abilities. In their turn, the French Zouaves modeled their uniform and drill after the native dress and fearless tactics of their former Algerian opponents, encountered in the course of the colonial war of the 1830s.
ID Number
AF.24954.01
accession number
64127
catalog number
24954.01
Date made
1783
1794
associated date
1783
issuer
Washington, George
recipient
Loring, Benjamin
associated institution
New York Artillery Regiment
maker
Washington, George
ID Number
AF.73520M
catalog number
73520M
accession number
286278
This snare drum was made by John Webster, near Spencertown, New York, around 1790-1820. It has a painted shell with a painted eagle with its characteristic “frog-legged” design that appears during the period of the 1790s to about 1820 on U.S.
Description

This snare drum was made by John Webster, near Spencertown, New York, around 1790-1820. It has a painted shell with a painted eagle with its characteristic “frog-legged” design that appears during the period of the 1790s to about 1820 on U.S. militia canteens, belt plates, cap insignia and knapsacks. Also this basic design, with a shield on the eagle‘s breast, was used on the U.S. Peace medals of 1792 and 1793. There are 13 stars painted on the drum shell in a circular pattern around the eagle motif. Also, there are 4 additional stars painted vertically to the right side of the eagle motif.

The drum has two wood hoops drilled with 9 holes each for rope, which at one time, was laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. There are 2 skin heads in poor condition and remnants of a gut snare. The drum is disassembled and would require conservation to bring it back to its original condition. It is accessioned with a pair of hardwood drum sticks. There is a label inside the shell that is inscribed:

“I was made by John Webster 3 miles north of Spencertown Meeting House Sept 1779”

As indicated in correspondence with the previous owner, this drum was brought back from the War of 1812 by Captain John George Snyder. Further research is needed to determine details of Snyder’s military career.

date made
1790-1820
ID Number
1989.0355.01
catalog number
1989.0355.01
accession number
1989.0355
Physical Description:This .50 caliber smoothbore single shot rimfire pistol was made by Remington Arms Company. It has a rolling block breech, a spur type trigger, and walnut grips and forend.There is an anchor stamp on the barrel. On the side is “P./F.C.W”.
Description
Physical Description:
This .50 caliber smoothbore single shot rimfire pistol was made by Remington Arms Company. It has a rolling block breech, a spur type trigger, and walnut grips and forend.
There is an anchor stamp on the barrel. On the side is “P./F.C.W”. The side plate is stamped “REMINGTONS ILION N.Y. U.S.A/PAT MAY 39 NOV 15TH 1864 April 17TH 1866”.
History:
The Remington Arms Company was established by Eliphalet Remington in 1816 when he purchased land at Steele’s Creek in New York. That same year, Eliphalet’s son produced the company’s first rifle. The Company stayed at that location until 1831 when it began expanding its business.
Many different pistols and rifles made Remington famous. The rolling block pistol was one of them. It was developed from the split breech carbine invented by Leonard Geiger. Remington Chief Designer Joseph Rider modified Geiger’s model to create the Rolling Block in 1866.
The rolling block pistol was easy to use, reliable and accurate. Cock the hammer and slide the breech back for easy cartridge insertion. Then move the block forward. When the trigger is pulled, a projection rolls under the breech.
There were five models made of the rolling block design. This is the first model of Remington Rolling Block pistols.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 159.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
unknown
United States Navy
maker
Remington Arms Company
ID Number
1989.0748.03
catalog number
1989.0748.03
accession number
1989.0748
serial number
3181
collector/donor number
P102
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1902
associated person; user
Miles, Nelson Appleton
maker
Hatfield & Sons
ID Number
AF.35125
catalog number
35125
accession number
87946
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1902 -
maker
Ridabock and Company
ID Number
AF.24917
catalog number
24917
accession number
64127
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1865
associated date
1857
maker
Kohner Bros., Inc.
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80767W07
accession number
64127
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1918
Associated Date
1917 - 1921
maker
Cohen, Goldman & Co.
ID Number
1977.0704.03
catalog number
1977.0704.03
accession number
1977.0704
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1872 - 1879
maker
Brooks Brothers
ID Number
1978.0658.01
accession number
1978.0658
catalog number
1978.0658.01
84527M
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Button, Worthington B.
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80767W17
accession number
64127
Physical Description:This .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1799 McCormick-type Ship’s pistol has an unknown maker. The lock was made in Great Britain.
Description
Physical Description:
This .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1799 McCormick-type Ship’s pistol has an unknown maker. The lock was made in Great Britain. It has a pin fastened stock, a gooseneck hammer, a holster pistol type side plate and belt hook.
This pistol has “KETLAND” in script under the flash pan and “UNITED/STATES” stamped at the rear of the lockplate. It also has a raised “P” and “WNY” stamps. On the top of the barrel “US” and “MARSH” are stamped. On the left of the stock are the stamps “M.A.” and “V”.
History:
This pistol is a McCormick type. Robert McCormick was an Irishman who came to America and leased the Globe Mills in 1798 to produce firearms. He was contracted by the U.S. government for Muskets that same year. In 1799, he had another contract, but did not finish it because he was thrown in debtor’s prison in 1801. That contract was finished by an employee named James Haslett – who would move on to run the Virginia Manufactory. It is possible this particular pistol was made by McCormick because it is the same type that McCormick was producing.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 122.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 100.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
maker
Ketland & Co.
ID Number
1987.0014.07
catalog number
1987.0014.07
accession number
1987.0014
collector/donor number
P104L
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1902 -
associated person
Wood, Leonard
maker
Hatfield & Sons
ID Number
AF.36006
catalog number
36006
accession number
105588
side1: Pvt. Robert Shanley and Soldier Chorus. American Eagles; side 2: Cpl. James "Stump" Cross.
Description

side1: Pvt. Robert Shanley and Soldier Chorus. American Eagles; side 2: Cpl. James "Stump" Cross. What the Well Dressed Man in Harlem Will Wear (Decca 18476), from the album, Irving Berlin's All Soldier Show: This Is the Army (Decca A-340).
78 rpm

This album is from the Broadway musical This Is the Army, with book by James McColl, and music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The musical was produced by the U. S. Army in 1942, and featured a cast of U. S. soldiers, for the benefit of the Army Relief Fund. The revue ran at the Broadway Theatre from July 4, 1942, to September 26, 1942, for 113 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
composer
Berlin, Irving
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1988.0384.04
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
18476
catalog number
1988.0384.04
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1902 -
maker
George Wright & Co.
ID Number
AF.68350M
catalog number
68350M
accession number
249546
Physical DescriptionInk on ecru paper.Specific HistoryThis is the draft letter of Alex Joyce of Yonkers issued by the Provost Marshal’s Office of the 10th District, State of New York, on May 9, 1864.General HistoryAfter the initial patriotic fervor of the Civil War ran its course
Description
Physical Description
Ink on ecru paper.
Specific History
This is the draft letter of Alex Joyce of Yonkers issued by the Provost Marshal’s Office of the 10th District, State of New York, on May 9, 1864.
General History
After the initial patriotic fervor of the Civil War ran its course, the number of volunteers fell off. In response, conscription in the North started in 1863; in the South, it began a year earlier. There was no general military draft in America until the Civil War. The Confederacy passed its first of three conscription acts April 16, 1862, and scarcely a year later the Union began conscripting men. The Union Conscription Act of March 3, 1863, provided that all able-bodied males between the ages of 20 and 45 were liable to military service, but a drafted man who furnished an acceptable substitute or paid the government $300 was excused. The exemption of landowners led to cries of class discrimination leveled at both the Confederate and Union draft laws. Exemption and commutation clauses allowed propertied men to avoid service, thus laying the burden on immigrants and men with few resources. Under the Union draft act men faced the possibility of conscription in July 1863 and again in March, July, and December of 1864. In New York City, this defective legislation was enforced amid great unpopularity. For four days, July 13–16, 1863, there were large-scale, bloody riots that came to be known as the Draft Riots. Of the 249,259 18-to-35-year-old men whose names were drawn in the conscription, only about 6 percent served in the Union army. The rest paid commutation or hired a substitute.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1864
associated institution
Provost Marshal's Office
ID Number
1980.0028.01
accession number
1980.0028
catalog number
1980.0028.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1864
associated date
1855 - 1872
1855
maker
Isaac Haber & Co.
ID Number
AF.22804 [dup1]
catalog number
22804
accession number
64127
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1855 - 1872
1854
maker
Isaac Haber & Co.
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80759W19
accession number
64127
This sheet music is for the song "The Ballad of the Green Berets," with words and music by Barry Sadler and Robin Moore. It was published by Cimino Publications Inc. in New York, New York, in 1963.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "The Ballad of the Green Berets," with words and music by Barry Sadler and Robin Moore. It was published by Cimino Publications Inc. in New York, New York, in 1963. This song, popular in 1966, praised the Green Berets' work in Vietnam, at about the time when the public response to American participation in the war began to include radical opposition.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1963
publisher
Cimino Publications, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0830.22
accession number
1983.0830
catalog number
1983.0830.22
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1921 - 1924
user
Lowey, Herbert B.
maker
Heidelberg Wolff & Co.
ID Number
1977.0893.02
accession number
1977.0893
catalog number
1977.0893.02
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1854 - 1872
1854
maker
Foster, Henry L.
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80759W21
accession number
64127
This 7-keyed bugle was made by Firth, Pond & Hall in New York, around 1832 to 1848. It is a bugle in C, with a B-flat crook, made of copper with brass keys, bell garland, and lead pipe.
Description

This 7-keyed bugle was made by Firth, Pond & Hall in New York, around 1832 to 1848. It is a bugle in C, with a B-flat crook, made of copper with brass keys, bell garland, and lead pipe. The bell is inscribed:

Firth, Hall & Pond
New York

John Firth (1789-1864) began making musical instruments in New York in 1815. Five years later, William Hall (1796-1874) set up his musical instrument firm in New York. Around the same time in 1820, Firth and Hall formed a partnership. Sylvanus Billings Pond (1792-1871) subsequently joined the company in 1832. In addition to brasswind instruments, Firth, Pond & Hall made woodwind instruments, pianos, and guitars. The firm imported musical goods and became very prominent music publishers. By 1847, the firm was dissolved.

date made
1832-1848
maker
Firth, Hall & Pond
ID Number
MI.76.32
accession number
1977.0294
catalog number
76.32
This drum was made by William A. Pond and Company in New York, New york, in 1863. It is a presentation drum.Civil War drummer Jacob Booz (1840–1909) was presented this drum in 1863 by officers of his regiment, Company C, 1st New Jersey Volunteers, for recognition of service.
Description

This drum was made by William A. Pond and Company in New York, New york, in 1863. It is a presentation drum.

Civil War drummer Jacob Booz (1840–1909) was presented this drum in 1863 by officers of his regiment, Company C, 1st New Jersey Volunteers, for recognition of service. The drum is inscribed with 14 of the engagements that Booz participated in. He enlisted in the Civil War on March 22, 1861 and served until he was honorably discharged on June 23, 1864. Jacob Booz re-enlisted on September 2, 1864, and participated in three more engagements. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1865.

After Jacob Booz's death, his family presented the drum to the State of New Jersey Museum. Woodrow Wilson was governor at that time, and when he became president, the drum was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1917. The drum was originally intended for presentation only, but a vent hole (in the center of the inscription) was added later by Booz, enabling him to actually play the drum, which he used until his death in 1909.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
associated person
Wilson, Woodrow
user
Booze, Jacob
maker
William A. Pond & Co.
ID Number
MI.017230
catalog number
17230
accession number
60827

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