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: Flags

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Swallowtail flag. Blue field with three applique white stars near hoist. Red union with a white saltire next to the hoist. White hoist. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. Inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg. 2nd Div. 14th Army Corps Dept.
Description
Swallowtail flag. Blue field with three applique white stars near hoist. Red union with a white saltire next to the hoist. White hoist. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. Inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg. 2nd Div. 14th Army Corps Dept. of / Cumberland."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25244I
catalog number
25244I
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 11th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white crescent inset (or applique) in the center of the flag. There is a red number "11" on the crescent, most likely done in paint. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white crescent inset (or applique) in the center of the flag. There is a red number "11" on the crescent, most likely done in paint. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "11 Army Corps Headquarters."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25242A
catalog number
25242A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 11th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on the hoist edge. Red crescent in the center of the flag. White cotton machine-stitched hoist with no grommets. Machine-stitched flat-felled flag seams. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Brg. 1st Div.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on the hoist edge. Red crescent in the center of the flag. White cotton machine-stitched hoist with no grommets. Machine-stitched flat-felled flag seams. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Brg. 1st Div. 11 Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25242F
catalog number
25242F
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with white St. Andrew's cross in center of flag. Red border around all three sides of flag. White cotton hoist. Machine-stitched using brown threads. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg 2nd Div 6 Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with white St. Andrew's cross in center of flag. Red border around all three sides of flag. White cotton hoist. Machine-stitched using brown threads. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg 2nd Div 6 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25228L
catalog number
25228L
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Red field with blue union on top corner of hoist. Two crossed white stripes, forming a saltire, in union. Below union are two white stars arranged vertically. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div'n 2nd Brg 4th Army Corps Dept.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Red field with blue union on top corner of hoist. Two crossed white stripes, forming a saltire, in union. Below union are two white stars arranged vertically. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div'n 2nd Brg 4th Army Corps Dept. of Cumberland."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25235K
catalog number
25235K
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 8th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a red inset six-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Div. 8 Army Corps".Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a red inset six-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Div. 8 Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25238D
catalog number
25238D
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Red field with blue union on top hoist corner. Two crossed white stripes, forming a saltire, in union. Three white stars arranged vertically beneath the union. The hoist has an inscription that reads "2nd Div. 3rd Brg. 4th Army Corp Dept.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Red field with blue union on top hoist corner. Two crossed white stripes, forming a saltire, in union. Three white stars arranged vertically beneath the union. The hoist has an inscription that reads "2nd Div. 3rd Brg. 4th Army Corp Dept. of/Cumberland R C Toy 47 N 9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25235L
catalog number
25235L
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 11th Army Corps

Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, that run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. In between the hoist and where the stripes cross is a white number "11".
Description
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, that run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. In between the hoist and where the stripes cross is a white number "11". White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "Ch'f Q. M. 11 Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25242C
catalog number
25242C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Division, 12th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white five-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Div 12 th Army Corps".Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white five-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Div 12 th Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25243H
catalog number
25243H
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 20th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with a wide white border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a dark green five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "4th Div 3rd Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with a wide white border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a dark green five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "4th Div 3rd Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R.C. Toy 49.N.9th Phila." The flag has flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250HH
catalog number
25250HH
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 7th Army Corps

Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, that run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. White number "7" painted in center of flag.
Description
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, that run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. White number "7" painted in center of flag. White cotton canvas hoist with an inscription that reads "Chief Q. M. 7th Army Corps." Machine stitching.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25237C
catalog number
25237C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 19th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center. Painted in the center of the cross is a red number "19". White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center. Painted in the center of the cross is a red number "19". White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "Headquarters 19 th Army Corps." The flag is machine-stitched flag panels and applique.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249R
catalog number
25249R
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 19th Army Corps

Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal triband design. The top and bottom band are blue; the middle band is white. In the center of the white band is machine-sewn a black number "1" applique. White canvas hoist with no grommets.
Description
Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal triband design. The top and bottom band are blue; the middle band is white. In the center of the white band is machine-sewn a black number "1" applique. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div 1st Brg 19 Army Corps Prior to 1863." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using white threads.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
design date
before 1863
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249K
catalog number
25249K
accession number
64127

Place Turenne, Sedan

Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch depicts an empty city street.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch depicts an empty city street. Flags fly from several of the buildings, while cannon occupy the far end of the street.
A catalog card indicates that an original label on the drawing read: "Drawing made the day before the French troops entered the city. The flags at the windows and the abandoned cannons are placed for this event [liberation of the city]. The nearer of the large buildings was a Soldatenheim [soldier's home] and the farther, the officers' club."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25852
catalog number
25852
accession number
64592

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with 2 inch yellow fringe on all edges of the flag except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is a machine-stitched red arrow applique; arrow is horizontal and pointing towards the fly. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with 2 inch yellow fringe on all edges of the flag except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is a machine-stitched red arrow applique; arrow is horizontal and pointing towards the fly. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div 1st Brg 17 Army Corp R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila." Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25247E
catalog number
25247E
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 1st Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white circle in the center of the flag. Inside the circle is a red number "1", most likely done with paint. White hoist. Inscription on hoist reads "Headquarters 1st Army Corps".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a white circle in the center of the flag. Inside the circle is a red number "1", most likely done with paint. White hoist. Inscription on hoist reads "Headquarters 1st Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25232A
catalog number
25232A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, Light Division, 6th Army

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with green St. Andrew's cross in center of flag. White cotton heading. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist: "1st Brg Lt Div 6 Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with green St. Andrew's cross in center of flag. White cotton heading. Machine stitching. Inscription on hoist: "1st Brg Lt Div 6 Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25228T
catalog number
25228T
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 20th 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 five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div. 3rd Brg. 20th Army Corps R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div. 3rd Brg. 20th Army Corps R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila." The flag is machine-stitched with flat felled seams using blue cotton thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250G
catalog number
25250G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 16th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a blue circular cross. The cross resembles a Maltese cross whose outer edges are curved, forming a circle. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a blue circular cross. The cross resembles a Maltese cross whose outer edges are curved, forming a circle. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div 2nd 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.25246P
catalog number
25246P
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 12th Army Corps

Wool bunting rectangular flag. White field with a red five-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Div 12th Army Corps".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting rectangular flag. White field with a red five-point star in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Div 12th Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25243D
catalog number
25243D
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Division, 1st Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white circle in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Div'n 1st Army Corps".Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white circle in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "2nd Div'n 1st Army Corps".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25232I
catalog number
25232I
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 7th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border on all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red inverted crescent surrounding a red five-point star. White hoist with an inscription that reads "3rd Brg 1st Div 7th 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 red inverted crescent surrounding a red five-point star. White hoist with an inscription that reads "3rd Brg 1st Div 7th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25237G
catalog number
25237G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 12th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a large white cross bottony in the center of the flag. The number "12" in red in the center of the cross. Inscription on hoist reads "12th Army Corps Head Quarters".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a large white cross bottony in the center of the flag. The number "12" in red in the center of the cross. Inscription on hoist reads "12th Army Corps Head Quarters".
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25243A
catalog number
25243A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 19th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div. 2nd Brg.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center (similar to a Maltese cross). White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div. 2nd Brg. 19 th 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.25249HH
catalog number
25249HH
accession number
64127

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