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.

Topic: Civil War, 1861-1865

Plate 28. Scouts and Guides to the Army of the Potomac

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The scouts of the Army undergo more hardship and brave greater peril than any other class.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The scouts of the Army undergo more hardship and brave greater peril than any other class. Secrecy being their only safety, their heroic deeds pass unrecorded, and when the necessity for their services has ceased to exist, with rare exceptions the brave men are altogether forgotten. Volumes might be written of their heroic deeds, and the historian of the rebellion will have failed in his duty if he neglects to chronicle the instances of their great exploits. Every army had its scouts, but none proved more efficient than those of the Army of the Potomac. The individuals in this group were attached to the Secret Service Department of the Army of the Potomac when conducted by Major Allen Pinkerton. Their faces are indexes of the character required for such hazardous work. Men of iron nerve and indomitable perseverence, they braved the halter with perfect consciousness of their peril, and seldom failed in an undertaking. During the campaign of the army in front of Fredericksburg, they proved of incalculable value.
Each man was provided with a pass from the Commanding General, written with a chemical preparation that only became visible when exposed to solar rays, and on the back of which was pencilled some unimportant memoranda, to deceive the enemy, should the scout fall into his hands. If captured, he could drop this paper, apparently by accident, without exciting suspicion; and if successful in his expedition, the pass, after a moment's exposure to the light, enabled the bearer to re-enter our lines, and proceed without delay to headquarters. They generally passed as foragers within our own lines, always coming in with vegetables, poultry, and the like, and with the enemy assumed such characters as the occasion might require. They were really spies, and often spent many days within the Confederate lines. The Union people of the South sheltered them, and furnished information that frequently led to the discovery of the designs of the enemy in time to enable our commanding officers to wholly frustrate them. A number of the scouts were taken prisoners, some of whom were executed, while the survivors, scarcely less fortunate, wasted in cells, long, weary months. A few are still retained in the employ of the Government, and have proved no less faithful servants in peace than when confronting the dangers that surrounded the military spy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-10
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.28
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.28

Cosmopolitan Carbine

The Cosmopolitan carbine was patented by Edward Gwyn and Abner Campbell in 1862 and manufactured at their Cosmopolitan Arms Company in Hamilton, OH. The double loop lever lowered the breech block for loading a .52 caliber paper cartridge.
Description (Brief)
The Cosmopolitan carbine was patented by Edward Gwyn and Abner Campbell in 1862 and manufactured at their Cosmopolitan Arms Company in Hamilton, OH. The double loop lever lowered the breech block for loading a .52 caliber paper cartridge. The State of Illinois purchased 1,140 Cosmopolitans for use by the Illinois Cavalry. The Cosmopolitan was not popular with the troops but garnered many nicknames including Union, Ohio and Grapevine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1862
patentee
Gwyn, Edward
Campbell, Abner C.
ID Number
AF.252575
catalog number
252575
accession number
49064

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

Plate 7. Ruins of Stone Bridge, Bull Run

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by William R.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by William R. Pywell, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This sketch represents a portion of the field of the battle of Bull Run, fought on the 21st of July, 1861, by the forces under Gen. McDowell and Gen. Beauregard. In a general order, issued on the 20th, Gen. McDowell said: "The enemy has planted a battery on the Warrenton turnpike to defend the passage of Bull Run; has seized the stone bridge, and made a heavy abatis on the right bank, to oppose our advance in that direction. The ford above the bridge is also guarded, whether with artillery or not, is not positively known, but every indication favors the belief that he proposes to defend the passage of the stream. It is intended to turn the position, force the enemy from the road, that it may be re-opened, and, if possible, destroy the railroad leading from Manasses to the Valley of Virginia, where the enemy has a large force." General McDowell commenced operations with the divisions of Tyler, Hunter, Heintzelman, and Miles-33,000 men; 18,000 of whom were engaged. The strength of the enemy was about the same, and was all engaged. The plan of the attack was for Tyler's division to threaten the passage of the bridge, Miles to make a demonstration at Blackburn's Ford, two miles below, and the divisions of Hunter and Heintzleman to move up the stream ten miles, and by a flank movement surprise and overwhelm the enemy while occupied with the two other divisions.
The country at that time was densely wooded, and the entire portion shown in the sketch occupied by the Confederates. It was expected that Hunter and Heintzelman would strike the left of the enemy at daylight on the 21st, but owing to unforeseen obstacles, failed to reach the designated point until after ten o'clock. This delay revealed the movement to Beauregard, who immediately disposed his forces to meet it by extending them obliquely across the turnpike, facing the bridge, at a distance of about two miles. Hunter, Heintzelman, and Tyler, who had crossed the bridge, attacked the enemy, and the engagement became general; our forces, after a severe struggle, driving him in great confusion from the field, and occupying the turnpike. The fighting had nearly ceased, and Gen. McDowell was expressing his thanks to some of his officers for their services, when Johnston's reinforcements from Winchester suddenly appeared in rear of our right, and threw our lines into utter confusion. A feeble attempt was made to repulse the attack, but the regiments rapidly broke to pieces, and forming a mass of terror-stricken fugitives, rushed from the field down across the bridge, which soon became obstructed by wagons, and to prevent pursuit by the enemy was destroyed. A portion of this ground was fought over in the battles of Gen. Pope in 1862, and hundreds of acres still bear evidences of those fearful scenes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-03
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.07
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.07

Vest

This uniform vest, along with the uniform trousers and coat, belonged to Lieutenant Carville of the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was donated to the museum in 1906 by the wearer's sister, Mrs. Eliza C. Fiedler.
Description
This uniform vest, along with the uniform trousers and coat, belonged to Lieutenant Carville of the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was donated to the museum in 1906 by the wearer's sister, Mrs. Eliza C. Fiedler. In her letter to the museum dated November 3, 1906, Eliza wrote "These things I desire to present to the National Museum as it will be a satisfaction for me to feel that these treasured articles will be in the care of the Government."
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1851-1902
associated person; user
Carville, Charles R.
ID Number
AF.10622
catalog number
10622
accession number
46623

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, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a diamond in the center of flag. Hand stitches on the fly. White hoist with an inscription that reads "1st Brg. 1st Div'n 3 Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a diamond in the center of flag. Hand stitches on the fly. White hoist with an inscription that reads "1st Brg. 1st Div'n 3 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25234D
catalog number
25234D
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Red field with yellow fringe around all sides except the hoist. A black cartridge box is painted in the center of the flag. On the front flap of the box is a yellow oval with the letters "U.S." in black.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Red field with yellow fringe around all sides except the hoist. A black cartridge box is painted in the center of the flag. On the front flap of the box is a yellow oval with the letters "U.S." in black. Above the cartridge box is the phrase "FORTY ROUNDS" painted in an arc of black letters. Reinforcement squares at both hoist corners. Machine and hand-stitched unbleached cotton hoist with a grommet at either end. Stamped on the hoist is an inscription that reads "15TH ARMY CORPS 1ST DIVISION." Machine-stitched flat-felled panel seams. Hand-stitched fringe.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25248A
catalog number
25248A
accession number
64127

1835 Militia Dragoon Helmet

Dragoon helmet, First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry, 1835 (missing horsehair crest).When the conflict began it was apparent that in order to even fight a short war both sides needed more men. A call for volunteers was issued by the Confederacy and the Union.
Description
Dragoon helmet, First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry, 1835 (missing horsehair crest).
When the conflict began it was apparent that in order to even fight a short war both sides needed more men. A call for volunteers was issued by the Confederacy and the Union. Many men who answered those calls wore their militia uniforms; others received uniforms of various patterns from local depots or tailors, resulting in considerable variation in dress even among companies within the same regiment.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.61151M
catalog number
61151M
accession number
223708
collector/donor number
SK905

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

CSS Virginia Model

Physical Description1/4-scale model, wood with plastic parts.General HistoryOn April 21, 1861, Virginians claimed an abandoned navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. There they found the sunken hull of the burned USS Merrimack.
Description
Physical Description
1/4-scale model, wood with plastic parts.
General History
On April 21, 1861, Virginians claimed an abandoned navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. There they found the sunken hull of the burned USS Merrimack. The Merrimack was raised and on June 23, 1861 the Honorable S. R. Mallory, Confederate secretary of the navy, ordered it to be converted to an ironclad. That ironclad was christened the CSS Virginia.
date made
ca 1960
associated date
1862
maker
Arthur G. Henning Inc.
ID Number
AF.58728N
accession number
235954
catalog number
58728-N

Designating Flag, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with large white trefoil, or clover, in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. Blue, gold, and white cotton threads. The inscription on the heading reads "2nd Div.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with large white trefoil, or clover, in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. Blue, gold, and white cotton threads. The inscription on the heading reads "2nd Div. 2nd Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
ID Number
AF.25233I
catalog number
25233I
accession number
64127

Violin

Physical DescriptionWood with personal carvings.Specific HistoryAt 24 years old, Solomon Conn, a son of a hotel keeper in Minamac, Indiana, enlisted as a private in Company B of the 87th Indiana Infantry on July 26, 1862.
Description
Physical Description
Wood with personal carvings.
Specific History
At 24 years old, Solomon Conn, a son of a hotel keeper in Minamac, Indiana, enlisted as a private in Company B of the 87th Indiana Infantry on July 26, 1862. He purchased this violin in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 1, 1863. Conn carried the violin while serving, although his family admitted that he never learned to play. Written on the back of the instrument are the names of places where the soldiers of the 87th were either on duty or engaging the enemy. More place names are written along the left and right edges of the sides. Among the more well-known battles the 87th took part in were the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 and Kennesaw Mountain in June 1864. By the end of the war, the 87th Volunteers had lost 283 men, most of them to disease.
This object stands as a unique memento of the common soldier during the Civil War.
user
Conn, Solomon
ID Number
1988.0716.01
accession number
1988.0716
catalog number
1988.0716.01

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

Plate 61. Commissary Department, Headquarters Army of the Potomac

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The commissary at General Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac was nothing less than an immense grocery establishment.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The commissary at General Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac was nothing less than an immense grocery establishment. Coffee, tea, sugar, molasses, bacon, salt pork, fresh beef, potatoes, rice, flour, &c., were always kept on hand in large quantities, and of the best quality. This institution was under the charge of Brevet Major J. R. Coxe, whose portly form adorns the photograph of "What do I want, John Henry?" Occasionally some command out of provisions would suddenly call on Major Coxe for a hundred thousand rations or more, and never was the gallant Major found unable to respond. Rain, snow, darkness, fathomless roads, or unexplored forests, never hindered his wagon trains. Upon him depended the sustenance of Headquarters, and the Commissary General and Staff. It was never his fault if they went hungry.
It was interesting in the last year of the war to witness the Virginia families flock to Headquarters for the purpose of purchasing supplies of the Commissary. Decrepit [sic] men, ladies, children, and family servants crowded the Commissary at stated periods for rations, carrying off their purchased provisions in the oddest vehicles, on horseback, and on foot, some individuals every week walking twenty miles to get their supplies. The provisions sold by the Commissary were disposed of at prices far below market rates, the Government only charging the cost price at wholesale; and as great care was taken in the selection of supplies by the Government agents, it was highly desirable to citizens to purchase rations. This was especially the case with respect to tea, coffee, and sugar, which were bought by the Government in as unadulterated a form as could be found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-02
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.11
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.11

Illustration of New York Volunteer in the Union Army

Illustration of a man wearing a non-regulation Union army uniform, including sky blue trousers, dark blue kepi, and a sky blue overcoat with a scarlet inside lining. He is depicted in full march gear, with a pack, belts, and rifle over his shoulder.Currently not on view
Description
Illustration of a man wearing a non-regulation Union army uniform, including sky blue trousers, dark blue kepi, and a sky blue overcoat with a scarlet inside lining. He is depicted in full march gear, with a pack, belts, and rifle over his shoulder.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1978.0010.05
accession number
1978.0010
catalog number
1978.0010.05
85352M

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

George Armstrong Custer's dress uniform frock coat

In the Fall of 1862, while on leave from the Civil War, George Armstrong Custer met Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon at a social in Monroe, Michigan. Libbie, the daughter of a prominent judge, fell in love with the dashing Custer.
Description
In the Fall of 1862, while on leave from the Civil War, George Armstrong Custer met Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon at a social in Monroe, Michigan. Libbie, the daughter of a prominent judge, fell in love with the dashing Custer. Her father opposed the match, as Custer was from an undistinguished family, but finally relented after Custer was promoted to Major General, U.S. Volunteers. On February 9, 1864, Custer was wed to Libbie Bacon wearing this coat.
The coat is a regulation 1861 Major General's uniform coat, of dark blue wool with blue velvet collar and cuffs. Two rows of nine buttons are placed in groups of three down the breast, with three smaller buttons adorning the cuffs. Attached to each shoulder is a shoulder board trimmed with gold thread, with two silver-embroidered stars denoting the rank of Major General.
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1864-02-09
user
Custer, George Armstrong
ID Number
AF.13042
catalog number
13042
accession number
54045

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 6th Army Corps

Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonally crossed blue stripes that run from either end of the hoist to the opposite end of the fly. The stripes cross at the fork in the swallowtail.
Description
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonally crossed blue stripes that run from either end of the hoist to the opposite end of the fly. The stripes cross at the fork in the swallowtail. Painted in the center of the flag, to the left of where the stripes cross, is a white number "6". White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "Ch'f Q.M. 6 Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25228C
catalog number
25228C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 15th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. The flag is divided into four fields: the upper hoist union is red, the upper fly union is white, the lower hoist union is yellow; the lower fly union is blue.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. The flag is divided into four fields: the upper hoist union is red, the upper fly union is white, the lower hoist union is yellow; the lower fly union is blue. Surmounting the fields, in the center of the flag is a black cartridge box design; on the front flap of the box is a gold plate with the letters "US" inside the plate. Above the cartridge box, in blue or black letters, is written "FORTY ROUNDS". White hoist with an inscription reading "Headquarters 15 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25245A
catalog number
25245A
accession number
64127

Daniel D. Stevens, Medal of Honor Recipient

Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Daniel D. Stevens, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War.The inscription on the reverse indicates that Daniel served as a Signal Quartermaster for the U.S.
Description
Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Daniel D. Stevens, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War.
The inscription on the reverse indicates that Daniel served as a Signal Quartermaster for the U.S. Navy during the Civil War on the Monitor Canonicus. Stevens "three times replaced the flag when shot away" during the assault on Fort Fisher, January, 1865.
Official Ciation:
STEVENS, DANIEL D.
Rank and organization. Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Sagnange, Tenn. Accredited to: Massachusetts. Letter 15 July 1870, Secretary of the Navy to Hon. S. Hooper. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Canonicus during attacks on Fort Fisher, on 13 January 1865. As the Canonicus moved into position at 700 yards from shore, the enemy troops soon obtained her range and opened with heavy artillery fire, subjecting her to several hits and near misses until late in the afternoon when the heavier ships coming into line drove them into their bombproofs. Twice during the battle, in which his ship sustained 36 hits, the flag was shot away and gallantly replaced by Stevens.
ID Number
AF.11778.43
accession number
51057
catalog number
11778.43

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue square bastioned fort design in the center of the flag (the design is a square with diamond shapes on each corner). Undyed cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue square bastioned fort design in the center of the flag (the design is a square with diamond shapes on each corner). Undyed cotton hoist with no grommets. An inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div 10 Army Corps." Flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25241M
catalog number
25241M
accession number
64127

Infantry Private Frock Coat and Hardee Hat

Physical DescriptionDark blue wool coat with gold-colored buttons. Black wool hat with ostrich plume and blue cord ribbon.
Description
Physical Description
Dark blue wool coat with gold-colored buttons. Black wool hat with ostrich plume and blue cord ribbon. Brass Jager horn and "A" insignia.
Specific History
This is the type of coat and hat worn by a Union private.
General History
In 1855 Secretary of War Jefferson Davis was instrumental in the creation of two regiments of cavalry. It was recommended that the cavalry have a distinctive hat; it is sometimes called the Jeff Davis hat. It also was referred to as the Hardee hat, after William Joseph Hardee, an officer of the 2nd Cavalry. In 1858 the hat was approved for the entire army. The hat was made of black felt and had various insignia, which were embroidered for officers and brass for enlisted men. It was looped up by an eagle on one side and decorated with ostrich feathers on the other. The side on which the hat was looped up was changed several times during the period the hat was in use. From 1858–1861 the hat looped on the left for artillery and infantry officers. On the front of the hat was the insignia of the branch of service. The Jager horn represented the infantry. In some cases the hat bore the regimental number and company letter. Hat cords were in the branch color for enlisted men, in mixed black and silver for company or field officers, and in gold for general officers.
Associated Date
1857 - 1872
ID Number
AF.22817 [dup5]
catalog number
22817
accession number
64127

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