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.

Place: United States

Vogt Snare Drum

This snare drum was made by Ernest Vogt, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in1864. It has a blue-painted shell with a painted eagle design with a banner held in the eagle’s beak inscribed “REG: U.S. INFANTRY,” and two skin heads.
Description

This snare drum was made by Ernest Vogt, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in1864. It has a blue-painted shell with a painted eagle design with a banner held in the eagle’s beak inscribed “REG: U.S. INFANTRY,” and two skin heads. There are two red-painted wood hoops drilled with 10 holes each for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The shell is reinforced with brass tacks in a design unique to the workmanship of Ernest Vogt.

The label on the inside of the shell indicates Vogt received a government contract on December 29, 1864. Approximately 2,000 regiment drums under this contract, were made from the workshop of Ernest Vogt.

This drum was previously owned by the donor's grandfather, Samuel Kyle (1845-1924). Samuel Kyle served as a private in Company K, 22nd Regiment of New Jersey. Kyle was mustered in Septemebr 2, 1862 and mustered out June 22, 1863. As was the practice of the era, Kyle acquired this drum as a memento at the end of his tour of duty.

date made
1864
maker
Vogt, Ernest
ID Number
MI.069758
accession number
274169
catalog number
69758

The Rohwer Outpost

The "Rohwer Outpost" was a newspaper created by the camp internees. The paper circulated camp-specific information and activities. However, the newspaper had to watch what they printed since both the imprisoned people and the people in charge of the camp read it.
Description
The "Rohwer Outpost" was a newspaper created by the camp internees. The paper circulated camp-specific information and activities. However, the newspaper had to watch what they printed since both the imprisoned people and the people in charge of the camp read it. The paper was printed in both English and Japanese languages.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943-09-15
ID Number
1986.3144.33
nonaccession number
1986.3144
catalog number
1986.3144.33

(Red Cross) Is You & I With Every (Heart) And (Dollar) Pin

Pin shaped like a flag. The flag is brown with white print and red symbols.
Description (Brief)
Pin shaped like a flag. The flag is brown with white print and red symbols. Symbols and text read “(Red Cross) Is You & I With Every (Heart) And (Dollar).”
The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Manee Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0394
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0394

Officers & Women in Tent

Stereo photograph of a group of women and men, including several soldiers, gathered inside of a white tent. The roof of the tent is held up by several large tree trunks embedded into the ground along the center of the tent.
Description
Stereo photograph of a group of women and men, including several soldiers, gathered inside of a white tent. The roof of the tent is held up by several large tree trunks embedded into the ground along the center of the tent. There is a striped blanket lying on a bench at the center of the photo. Printed at bottom with the maker's mark "W.R. Cross, / Photographer / Niobrara, Neb."
Location
Currently not on view
photographer
Cross, W. R.
ID Number
2003.0311.05
accession number
2003.0311
catalog number
2003.0311.05

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

Springfield Armory Model 1871 Ward-Burton U.S. Bolt Action Rifle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
associated date
1868
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.222327
catalog number
222327

Battalion, 17th Infantry Marching in Review

Photograph of the 17th Infantry Battalion lined up for review. Hundreds of soldiers in uniform march in orderly lines in a large open field. Three large houses can be seen in the distance and a tall hexagonal building is seen at back left. Maker's mark "C.D.
Description
Photograph of the 17th Infantry Battalion lined up for review. Hundreds of soldiers in uniform march in orderly lines in a large open field. Three large houses can be seen in the distance and a tall hexagonal building is seen at back left. Maker's mark "C.D. Kirkland, Photographer, Cheyenne, Wyoming" is stamped at bottom. Handrwitten in black ink is "View of Batallion [sic] of 17th Infantry / Marching in review. / The center set of quarters are those / of the Colonel of Regiment / Fort D. A. Russell / 1887"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
ID Number
2003.0311.06
accession number
2003.0311
catalog number
2003.0311.06

Badge of California Pioneers

Gold badge of the Society of California Pioneers, presented to General William T. Sherman by the citizens of California in 1869. A gold gilt pin cast of a bear with a diamond eye and safety pin back.
Description
Gold badge of the Society of California Pioneers, presented to General William T. Sherman by the citizens of California in 1869. A gold gilt pin cast of a bear with a diamond eye and safety pin back. The Society of California Pioneers was a social and historical association with membership open to "pioneers" who came to California before 1849. Sherman served as a United States Army officer in California for several years in the late 1840s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
associated date
1847-1849
user
Sherman, William Tecumseh
ID Number
AF.15954
catalog number
15954
accession number
59388

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

Firth, Hall & Pond 7-Keyed Bugle

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

Springfield Armory Model 1873 U.S. Cadet "Trapdoor" Rifle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
licensee
Allin, Erskine S.
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.222291
catalog number
222291
serial number
38757

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

Exhibition on Sex Hygiene and Venereal Disease, Placard No. 2: "What Is The Cause Of Gonorrhea?"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
maker
War Department. Commission on Training Camp Activities
ID Number
2015.3115.51
catalog number
2015.3115.51
nonaccession number
2015.3115

Springfield Armory Allin Conversion Model 1866/1865 "Trapdoor" Rifle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
ca 1866
associated date
1865
licensee
Allin, Erskine S.
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.272929
catalog number
272929
accession number
54205

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

Congressional Gold Medal 65th Infantry Regiment "Borinqueneers"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
United States Mint
ID Number
2016.0100.01
accession number
2016.0100
catalog number
2016.0100.01

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

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

On the Lookout for Game

Koba, aka Wild Horse,drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida"On the Lookout for Game"Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878Colored pencil, ink, and watercolorThis illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right.
Description
Koba, aka Wild Horse,
drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida
"On the Lookout for Game"
Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878
Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor
This illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right. Both men and women carry various supplies, bow and quiver cases, rifles, and umbrellas (a popular trade item). The route of the band is imaged using dashes on the ground. A scout keeps a lookout on the highest hill. The Kiowa hunt on foot, in the old way, though they use both old and new weapons.
date made
ca 1875-1878
original artist
Koba
ID Number
2008.0175.58
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.058

Jewish Military Bible

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
ID Number
CL.302600
catalog number
302600
accession number
62178

Letter of Marque Topsail Schooner Lynx

Peter Kemp, Baltimore’s best known 19th-century shipbuilder, worked in the Fells Point area. He built the square topsail schooner Lynx in 1812 for just under $10,000. It measured 97 feet long and 25 tons, a bit larger than the swift pilot boats after which it was modeled.
Description
Peter Kemp, Baltimore’s best known 19th-century shipbuilder, worked in the Fells Point area. He built the square topsail schooner Lynx in 1812 for just under $10,000. It measured 97 feet long and 25 tons, a bit larger than the swift pilot boats after which it was modeled. Pilot boats had to be fast, for the first one that reached a vessel offshore won the job to lead it through local waters into the port facilities.
The Lynx was a letter of marque—a merchant vessel authorized to take prizes—rather than a privateer designed and built only to raid enemy shipping. Letters of marque were armed merchant vessels which were granted the authority to chase enemy merchantmen during the normal course of business, if an opportunity arose. Unlike privateers, letter of marque vessels paid their crews a regular wage, and their income did not depend on income from enemy ships. As a result, the Lynx carried only six guns and a 40-man crew instead of the many guns and big crews of privateers.
Lynx served less than a year before it was captured by a British fleet of 17 vessels while trying to run a blockade off the Rappahannock River, Virginia. Renamed the Mosquidobit, it served in the British naval squadron blockading Chesapeake Bay. At the end of the War of 1812, it served against France. In recognition of its superior sailing characteristics, its hull shape was recorded by the Royal Navy. In 1820, it resumed service as a private merchant vessel.
Date made
1964
Associated Date
19th century
shipbuilder
Kemp, Peter
ID Number
TR.323263
catalog number
323263
accession number
249753

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.