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: Pennsylvania

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

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 25th Army Corps, Army of the James

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. The flag is constructed of three triangles. The hoist triangle is white; its base extends almost the full length of the hoist and the apex reaches to where the two swallowtails meet at the horizontal meridian of the flag.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. The flag is constructed of three triangles. The hoist triangle is white; its base extends almost the full length of the hoist and the apex reaches to where the two swallowtails meet at the horizontal meridian of the flag. The top triangle is red and forms the top swallowtail; the bottom triangle is blue and forms the bottom swallowtail. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on one side of the hoist reads "Chief Q.M. 25th Army Corps." On the reverse side of the hoist is an inscription reading "R.C. Toy 49.N.9th Phila." Flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25255B
catalog number
25255B
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Horizontal bicolor design. The top of the flag is red; the bottom half of the flag is blue. In the center of the flag is a white cotton applique of two crossed swords. Above the cross in the swords is a number "3" stenciled in blue pigment paint.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Horizontal bicolor design. The top of the flag is red; the bottom half of the flag is blue. In the center of the flag is a white cotton applique of two crossed swords. Above the cross in the swords is a number "3" stenciled in blue pigment paint. Below the cross in the swords is a number "3" stenciled in red pigment paint. White hoist with no grommets. There is an inscription on each side of the hoist; one side reads "[illegible] 3rd Div Cavalry. Command. Div. of Miss" while the reverse reads "RC Toy 49 n 9th Phila." The flag is machine-stitched.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25293J
catalog number
25293J
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, 3rd Division, 22nd Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with blue pentagonal cross applique or insert in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist has an open sleeve and is machine-stitched. No grommets on the heading. Flag seams are machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with blue pentagonal cross applique or insert in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist has an open sleeve and is machine-stitched. No grommets on the heading. Flag seams are machine-stitched with flat-felled seams. Inscription on hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49.N.9th Phila 22 Army Corps 3rd Div".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252M
catalog number
25252M
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

Box of relics from Gettysburg

This wooden box full of metal shrapnel and debris from Gettysburg was presented in 1885 to Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. A little more than two decades earlier, Hancock was leading Union troops on the battlefield in order to repel Pickett's Charge.
Description
This wooden box full of metal shrapnel and debris from Gettysburg was presented in 1885 to Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. A little more than two decades earlier, Hancock was leading Union troops on the battlefield in order to repel Pickett's Charge. On July 3, 1863 he was shot through the thigh. The box of relics stood as a reminder of the dangers of war and the courage it took to face those dangers head on.
If you look closely you can see the engraved names of where the relics were found on different areas of the battlefields of Gettysburg.
recipient
Hancock, Winfield Scott
ID Number
AF.37245
accession number
115588
catalog number
37245

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border around all three sides. Blue 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 3rd Brg 3rd Div."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border around all three sides. Blue 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 3rd Brg 3rd Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254Q
catalog number
25254Q
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white circular cross in the center of the flag. 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 "2nd Div 1st Brg 16 Army Corps R. C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white circular cross in the center of the flag. 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 "2nd Div 1st 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.25246J
catalog number
25246J
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of West Virginia

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all sides except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is an eagle, in flight, with an olive branch and three arrows in its talons. The eagle is painted in black pigment. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all sides except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is an eagle, in flight, with an olive branch and three arrows in its talons. The eagle is painted in black pigment. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the front of the hoist reads "2nd Brg 2nd Div Dept. of West Va." The inscription on the reverse reads "R.C. Toy 49.N.9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25261J
catalog number
25261J
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Artillery Brigade, 9th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with a white shield in the center of the flag. Inside the shield is a blue anchor surmounted by a red cannon. The anchor and cannon are diagonally crossed.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with a white shield in the center of the flag. Inside the shield is a blue anchor surmounted by a red cannon. The anchor and cannon are diagonally crossed. White hoist with an inscription reading "[illegible] Brg Div 9th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25239F
catalog number
25239F
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Cavalry Command, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a wide yellow border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red applique of two crossed swords. The number "1" is stenciled on top of the crossed swords in blue (or possibly black) pigment paint.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a wide yellow border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a red applique of two crossed swords. The number "1" is stenciled on top of the crossed swords in blue (or possibly black) pigment paint. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg. 4th Div'n Cavalry. Command."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25260O
catalog number
25260O
accession number
64127

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a white 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. Blue field with a red border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a white 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 "2nd 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.25246K
catalog number
25246K
accession number
64127

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