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: Designating Flags

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, 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, 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

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue trefoil, or clover, in center of flag. Red border on all three sides. The inscription on the white hoist reads "3rd Brg. 3rd Div. 2nd Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with blue trefoil, or clover, in center of flag. Red border on all three sides. The inscription on the white hoist reads "3rd Brg. 3rd Div. 2nd Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25233Q
catalog number
25233Q
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a shield in the upper hoist corner. The shield is divided into three red parts by a yellow outline. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 1st Div 23rd Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a shield in the upper hoist corner. The shield is divided into three red parts by a yellow outline. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 1st Div 23rd Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25253C
catalog number
25253C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red border at the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue shield with a red anchor surmounted by a white cannon. The anchor and cannon are crossed. White hoist with an inscription that reads "2nd Brg. 3rd Div.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red border at the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue shield with a red anchor surmounted by a white cannon. The anchor and cannon are crossed. White hoist with an inscription that reads "2nd Brg. 3rd Div. 9th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25270F
catalog number
25270F
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a large red applique or insert of crossed cannons in the center of the flag. Reinforcements on both hoist corners. White hoist has a metal grommet at each end.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a large red applique or insert of crossed cannons in the center of the flag. Reinforcements on both hoist corners. White hoist has a metal grommet at each end. Inscription on hoist reads "16TH ARMY / CORPS 1ST DIVISION".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25275B
catalog number
25275B
accession number
64127

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white circle in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Hoist is machine-stitched with an open sleeve; one blue horizontal thread runs the length of the heading.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white circle in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Hoist is machine-stitched with an open sleeve; one blue horizontal thread runs the length of the heading. Machine-stitched, flat-felled flag seams are done using dark brown, black, and undyed threads. Hand-stitched whipstitch at fly. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Div'n 1st Brg. 1st Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25232J
catalog number
25232J
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, Light Division, 6th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on all three sides. In the center of the flag is a green St. Andrew's cross. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist: "3rd Brg Lt Div 6 Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on all three sides. In the center of the flag is a green St. Andrew's cross. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist: "3rd Brg Lt Div 6 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25228V
catalog number
25228V
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 12th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white cotton five-point star in the center of the flag. The star design is two pieces sandwiched into the blue body fabric. Machine-stitched open-sleeve heading is white cotton and has no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white cotton five-point star in the center of the flag. The star design is two pieces sandwiched into the blue body fabric. Machine-stitched open-sleeve heading is white cotton and has no grommets. Machine-stitching; flat-felled seams. Seams are poorly stitched; there are areas of excessive back-stitching, caught threads, and fabric caught in seams. Hand-sewn whipstitch at fly to close seam. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Brg. 2nd Div. 12th Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25243I
catalog number
25243I
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with red border on each side except the hoist. Red acorn in center of blue field. Off-white cotton hoist with a metal grommet at each end. Green, tan, and red threads. Hand and machine stitching.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with red border on each side except the hoist. Red acorn in center of blue field. Off-white cotton hoist with a metal grommet at each end. Green, tan, and red threads. Hand and machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "14TH ARMY / CORPS 1ST DIVISION."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25273B
catalog number
25273B
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 22nd Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white pentagonal cross in the center of the flag. On the cross, the number "22" is painted in red. White hoist has a metal grommet at each end. Inscription on hoist reads "22ND ARMY / CORPS HEAD QUARTERS".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white pentagonal cross in the center of the flag. On the cross, the number "22" is painted in red. White hoist has a metal grommet at each end. Inscription on hoist reads "22ND ARMY / CORPS HEAD QUARTERS".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25280A
catalog number
25280A
accession number
64127

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, Headquarters, 18th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white cotton cross bottony in the center of the flag. In the center of the cross is a red cotton number "18". White cotton hoist with a grommet at each end.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white cotton cross bottony in the center of the flag. In the center of the cross is a red cotton number "18". White cotton hoist with a grommet at each end. An inscription on the hoist reads "18TH ARMY/CORPS HEAD QUARTERS." Machine and hand stitching; flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25277A
catalog number
25277A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Division, 3rd Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with blue diamond in center of flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flag panels have flat-felled seams. Cotton threads in blue, off-white, and white. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with blue diamond in center of flag. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flag panels have flat-felled seams. Cotton threads in blue, off-white, and white. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div. 3rd Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
ID Number
AF.25234M
catalog number
25234M
accession number
64127

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