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: Philadelphia

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

Physical Description:Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with red stripe on hoist edge; white sphere applique in center of blue field. Hoist is unbleached cotton canvas. Machine-stitched flat fell panel seams and turned under hems on the top and bottom of the flag.
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with red stripe on hoist edge; white sphere applique in center of blue field. Hoist is unbleached cotton canvas. Machine-stitched flat fell panel seams and turned under hems on the top and bottom of the flag. Hand-stitched flat fell seam on single layer central motif inset and on cord casing in hoist. Machine- and hand-stitched hoist. Cord is still in casing on the hoist end. Inscription on hoist: 1 ARMY CORPS 2 Div Brig HORSTMANN/PHILADELPHIA
Stamped on hoist.
General Description:
First Army Corps, Army of the Potomac
The flags of 1862 represent specific commands and served as tactical signals. They usually had an ensign designed by the commanders themselves which came to be the symbol for the division. In the spring of 1863, the Army of the Potomac issued badges for its entire corps, and on March 21, 1863, the 1st Army Corps, under General Joseph Hooker, issued an announcement designating the sphere as its emblem. This remained the emblem for the corps until they merged with the 5th Army Corps in March of 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860-1865
maker
William H. Horstmann & Sons
ID Number
AF.25232Y
catalog number
25232Y
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 3rd Army Corps

Physical Description:Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a large red diamond in the center of the flag. The white hoist has a metal grommet at each end. Inscription on hoist reads "From/Wm. F. Scheible/Philada. Pa./Contract.
Description
Physical Description:
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a large red diamond in the center of the flag. The white hoist has a metal grommet at each end. Inscription on hoist reads "From/Wm. F. Scheible/Philada. Pa./Contract. March 23, 1865 1st DIV/Head/Quarters 3rd Army Corps".
General Description:
Third Army Corps (26 June - 12 September 1862)
The diamond shaped lozange, a symbol adopted by the Third Army Corps under General Philip Kearny, became the ensign for the corps flags. The use of corps badges today may be traced to a spontaneous beginning with a directive from General Kearny. According to legend, General Kearny mistakenly reprimanded a group of soldiers from a corps other than his own while on march. To eliminate future confusion, he issued diamond shaped badges of cloth, known as "Kearny Patches," to be worn on the crown pieces of the caps of the soldiers.
The necessity of identifying corps, division, and brigades on the battlefield soon led to a requirement that all corps in the Union Army be represented with a designating badge. Often the badges were used on the corps equipment and flags. For many corps, the badge introduced an ensign that served thereafter as an enduring symbol in its heraldic lineage. Although the original Third Army Corps flags probably carried the "white cross botonny with red 'three' found in other Army of the Potomac Corps,:" (Todd p. 323), shown here is the regulation diamond shape used after 1864. Flags of the third Army Corps were carried in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac except Antietam (Boatner, p. 189).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
William F. Scheible
ID Number
AF.25264E
catalog number
25264E
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 2nd 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 a black cotton number "2" applique. White cotton 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 a black cotton number "2" applique. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div 2nd Brg 19 Army Corps Prior to 1863." The flag is machine stitched using white cotton thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
design date
before 1863
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249H
catalog number
25249H
accession number
64127

1st Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250E
catalog number
25250E
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 18th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white cross bottony in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 2nd Div 18th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white cross bottony in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 2nd Div 18th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N. 9th Phila." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25248J
catalog number
25248J
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Cavalry Command, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a wide yellow border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a white applique of two crossed swords. The number "2" is stenciled on top of the crossed swords in red paint. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a wide yellow border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a white applique of two crossed swords. The number "2" is stenciled on top of the crossed swords in red paint. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Brg 4th Div'n Cavalry. Command." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled panel seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25260P
catalog number
25260P
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Division, 21st Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design; the top band is red, the middle band is white, and the bottom band is blue. In each band, next to the hoist edge of the flag, is a black five-point star applique.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design; the top band is red, the middle band is white, and the bottom band is blue. In each band, next to the hoist edge of the flag, is a black five-point star applique. White cotton canvas hoist with an inscription that reads "3rd Div 21st Army Corps." The flag has machine-stitched seams and hand-stitched edges.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251J
catalog number
25251J
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

N.P. Ames Model 1840 Presentation Engineer Officer's Sword, Bailey & Co. Scabbard Inscribed "Presented to Lieu. Geo. B. McClellan of the Corps of Sappers & Mines U.S.A."

Sword: This Model 1840 Engineer's sword was given to George B. McClellan in commemoration of the Mexican War. Its blade is triangular, long, and straight. It has three edges. It is decorated in silver chasing on each side in floral patterns.
Description
Sword: This Model 1840 Engineer's sword was given to George B. McClellan in commemoration of the Mexican War. Its blade is triangular, long, and straight. It has three edges. It is decorated in silver chasing on each side in floral patterns. There are some military trophies on the obverse, as well as a liberty hat and pole. On the reverse, there is an inscription reading "US Corps of Engineers". The grip of the sword is gold metal (possibly brass?). It is cylindrical and there is a casting of two rattlesnakes that wind all the way up to the pommel. The pommel is a traditional Model 1840 pommel, and has a plain Capstan Rivet, (as well as the casting of the snake's heads). The knuckleguard is a gold metal strip that extends straight out from the pommel and then turns at a 90 degree angle downwards to the counterguard. It features scroll designs on the top, and a star and arrows on both sides of the middle. The counterguard features a large castle, (symbol for the Corps of Engineers), on the obverse. The castle is surrounded by stars (above and left), a scroll pattern (below), and a large star (right). The reverse of the counterguard is plain and hinged.
Scabbard: The scabbard of this sword is broken in two. It has three mounts, and it is broken right above the third mount. Each mount consists of a gold plate with similar floral edges. There is a frog stud in the shape of a US shield on the top mount. There are two inscriptions to McClellan on the space between the first two mounts, and there are square and floral designs on the space between the second and third mounts. The scabbard has two carrying rings, one on the right side of each of the top two mounts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
recipient
McClellan, George B.
maker
Bailey and Company
ID Number
AF.17423
catalog number
17423
accession number
61384

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white heart machine-stitched in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white heart machine-stitched in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "RC Toy 49 N 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 1st Brg 2nd Div." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams. Overcast stitch at fly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254J
catalog number
25254J
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 24th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a red heart in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy [illegible] Phila. 24 Army Corps 1 [illegible] Div."Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a red heart in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy [illegible] Phila. 24 Army Corps 1 [illegible] Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254D
catalog number
25254D
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, 1st 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. In both the red and blue bands there is a black five-point star applique with the number "1" painted in white on each star. White cotton hoist with hand-sewn tabs.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. In both the red and blue bands there is a black five-point star applique with the number "1" painted in white on each star. White cotton hoist with hand-sewn tabs. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 2nd Div 21st Army Corps." The flag has flat-felled machine-stitched seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251G
catalog number
25251G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps

Physical Description:Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white cotton shield insert hand-stitched in the center of the flag. Appliqued on the insert is a blue cotton anchor surmounted by a red cotton cannon. The anchor and cannon are crossed.
Description
Physical Description:
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Blue field with a white cotton shield insert hand-stitched in the center of the flag. Appliqued on the insert is a blue cotton anchor surmounted by a red cotton cannon. The anchor and cannon are crossed. Reinforcements on each hoist corner. Rope running through white hoist. Inscription on hoist reads "9 ARMY CORPS 2 Div 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 1865
maker
William H. Horstmann & Sons
ID Number
AF.25270A
catalog number
25270A
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, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 21st Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design; the top band is red, the middle band is white, and the bottom band is blue. In each band, next to the hoist edge of the flag, is a black five-point star applique. The number "2" is painted on each star in white.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design; the top band is red, the middle band is white, and the bottom band is blue. In each band, next to the hoist edge of the flag, is a black five-point star applique. The number "2" is painted on each star in white. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the flag reads "2nd Brg 3rd Div 21st Army Corps." The flag is Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251L
catalog number
25251L
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

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, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 22nd Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue pentagonal cross in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N. 9th Phila 22 Army Corps 1st Brg 3rd Div".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue pentagonal cross in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N. 9th Phila 22 Army Corps 1st Brg 3rd Div".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252N
catalog number
25252N
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border around all three sides. White heart applique machine-stitched in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border around all three sides. White heart applique machine-stitched in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 3rd Brg 2nd Div." Machine-stitched, flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254L
catalog number
25254L
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with pie-shaped red triangles in each corner; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White heart applique in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with pie-shaped red triangles in each corner; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White heart applique 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 4th Brg 2nd Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254M
catalog number
25254M
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue 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 1st Brg 3rd Div."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue 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 1st Brg 3rd Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254O
catalog number
25254O
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

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