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.

Date: 1890s

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

Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”Ink and watercolorThis drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”
Ink and watercolor
This drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier. The artist depicts the warrior counting coup on his enemy by touching the fallen soldier with his riding whip (quirt). Counting coup - in this instance touching an adversary in battle - was considered an act of bravery that could gain war honors. This single event took place during a larger battle against many adversaries, as indicated by the large number of rifles at the left.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1875
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08111
accession number
1897.031963
catalog number
GA*08111
accession number
1897.31963

Model 1898

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1898 - 1899
ID Number
2007.0069.07
catalog number
2007.0069.07
accession number
2007.0069

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

Cheyenne Pictures. Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Pictures. Standing Elk’s Horse Killed in Fight with Troops.”Pencil, ink, and watercolorThe central focus of this image is a wounded horse, bleeding from head and rump, being fired on by U.S. troops at the right.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Pictures. Standing Elk’s Horse Killed in Fight with Troops.”
Pencil, ink, and watercolor
The central focus of this image is a wounded horse, bleeding from head and rump, being fired on by U.S. troops at the right. Standing Elk, with his name glyph above him, has dismounted and appears to be safe from the rifle shots. The suggestion of concern by the warrior indicates the high value placed on horses by Plains tribesmen.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08112
catalog number
GA*08112
accession number
1897.031963

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 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

Model 1898

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1898 - 1899
user
Sechler, Clyde S.
ID Number
AF.74104M
catalog number
74104M
accession number
289915

Indian Scout Hat

Physical DescriptionBlack wool felt. Red and white cotton braid trim.Specific HistoryThis particular hat is from the War Department collection, and is in unissued condition. It conforms to specifications within close tolerances and carries the maker label "W.H Hurlbut/Contract?
Description
Physical Description
Black wool felt. Red and white cotton braid trim.
Specific History
This particular hat is from the War Department collection, and is in unissued condition. It conforms to specifications within close tolerances and carries the maker label "W.H Hurlbut/Contract? Sept. 29th 1890./737 Broadway, New York" on the inner side fo the 1 3/4 inch sweat. The edge of the brim carries three rows of stitching. The hat cord also conforms to the specifications.
General History
In 1866 the Congress in reestablishing the peace-time Army authorized the President "To enlist and employ in the Territories and Indian country a force of Indians, not to exceed 1000, to act as scouts, who shall receive the pay and allowances of cavalry soldiers, and to be discharged whenever the necessity for their employment is abated...."
As of October 1868 there were 412 such scouts in the service. Over the years these scouts were enlisted for periods varying from three months to six years, the greater majority being for six months (this latter period later becoming the allowable maximun) and receiving in addition to pay and allowances forty cents a day extra if they furnished their own horse and horse equipment.
In the later winter of 1889 - 1890 Lt. E. W. Casey, 22nd Infantry, commanding a company of scouts at Fort Keogh, Montana, conceived the idea of a distinctive uniform for the scouts to attract them to the service and improve morale. When the concept was approved, Casey submitted his recommendations in detail including a variant campaign hat, hat cord, insignia, overcoat, and guidon, plus a distinctive facing for the issue dress coat. The Secretary of War approved and directed the Quartermaster General to initiate procurement. The hat and trimmings were described in Circular No. 10, Headquarters of the Army, 11 August 1890:
Fatigue Hat: Of black felt, brim 3 1/2 inches wide, crown 3 1/2 inches high; brim to be well stiffened.
Hat Cord: Of white worsted cord, one strand of scarlet, terminating in two tassels 1 1/4 inches in length, same color and material as the cord.
Hat Ornament: Two arrows crossed, to be made of nickel or some white metal, 3 inches in length, the letters U.S.S. in the upper intersection."
from United States Army Headgear 1855-1902. Catalog of United States Army Uniforms in the Collections of the Smithsonian Institutuion, II by Edgar M. Howell, Smithsonian Instiutiton, 1975.
Date made
1890-1899
ID Number
ZZ.RSN83548W47
catalog number
64127.02
accession number
64127

Springfield Armory Model 1892/1894 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt Action Rifle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1894
associated date
1894
licensee
Krag, Ole H. J.
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.229563
catalog number
229563
accession number
42272
serial number
4070

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

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

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

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

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with wide red border on all sides except the hoist. Three faded red or orange applique cotton stars arranged vertically next to the hoist. Next to the stars, in the center of the blue field, is a red acorn. White cotton hoist.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with wide red border on all sides except the hoist. Three faded red or orange applique cotton stars arranged vertically next to the hoist. Next to the stars, in the center of the blue field, is a red acorn. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg 1st Div 14th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25244S
catalog number
25244S
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Division, 19th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field. In the center of the flag is a fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). Undyed cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field. In the center of the flag is a fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). Undyed cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div. 19 th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila." Machine stitching; flat-felled seams; cotton threads.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249Z
catalog number
25249Z
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 19th Army Corps

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

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Army Corps

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

Nicholas II Commander of Reserve Regiment of the Guard medal, Russia, 1898

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1898
ID Number
NU.NU61864
catalog number
NU61864
accession number
210914

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 25th Army Corps

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

Model 1884

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1895
Associated Date
1885 - 1902
user
Adams, James M.
ID Number
AF.70723M
catalog number
70723M
accession number
277915

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 22nd Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a blue pentagonal cross--either applique or insert. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a blue pentagonal cross--either applique or insert. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila 22 Army Corps 3rd Brg 3rd Div".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252P
catalog number
25252P
accession number
64127

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