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: Civil War, 1861-1865

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ID Number
1980.0399.0372
catalog number
1980.0399.0372
accession number
1980.0399

Zouave sash

This sash belonged to a 155th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Zouave uniform. The soldier would wear the sash wound around his waist.Currently not on view
Description
This sash belonged to a 155th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Zouave uniform. The soldier would wear the sash wound around his waist.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
AF.24947.03
accession number
64127
catalog number
24947.03

Robert E. Lee's chair from Appomattox

On April 9, 1865, General Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E. Lee met in the home of Wilmer McLean at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, to negotiate the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to the United States Army.
Description
On April 9, 1865, General Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E. Lee met in the home of Wilmer McLean at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, to negotiate the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to the United States Army. Sitting in the chair on the left, Lee discussed the fate of his troops. Grant then, leaning over an oval table, drafted and signed the final terms of surrender. While there were still Confederate troops in the field under other commanders, Lee's surrender effectively marked the end of the Civil War.
Union officers, recognizing the significance of the event, individually took pieces of furniture as souvenirs. General E. W. Whitaker grabbed Lee's chair, General Henry Capehart claimed Grant's chair, and General Philip Sheridan took the table and presented it to the wife of Major General George Amstrong Custer. In three separate donations, by 1915, these items were reunited at the Smithsonian Institution.
Date made
before 1865
associated date
1865-04-09
user
Lee, Robert Edward
ID Number
PL.015820
catalog number
15820
accession number
59140
catalog number
15820

cartridge box

associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
1980.0399.0138
catalog number
1980.0399.0138
accession number
1980.0399

Zouave Fez

Felt hats, in the shape of a truncated cone, like this one, added an exotic flair to the highly elaborate and distinct Zouave uniform. The navy blue felt and green tassel combination of this fez typically indicated an Irish regiment.
Description
Felt hats, in the shape of a truncated cone, like this one, added an exotic flair to the highly elaborate and distinct Zouave uniform. The navy blue felt and green tassel combination of this fez typically indicated an Irish regiment. This fez was a part of a uniform from the 164th New York Infantry Regiment, also known as Corcoran’s Irish Legion. This regiment received volunteers from Irish immigrant communities in both the western and eastern cities of New York.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
AF.24937.04
accession number
64127
catalog number
24937.04

Congressional Gold Medal

This Congressional Gold Medal was awarded on December 17, 1863 to General Grant after his victory at Vicksburg. The battle of Vicksburg was a turning point for the Union Army. The siege lasted six weeks until the Confederate forces surrendered on July 4, 1863.
Description
This Congressional Gold Medal was awarded on December 17, 1863 to General Grant after his victory at Vicksburg. The battle of Vicksburg was a turning point for the Union Army. The siege lasted six weeks until the Confederate forces surrendered on July 4, 1863.
date made
c. 1863
associated date
1863-12-17
associated person
Grant, Ulysses S.
ID Number
AF.93729
accession number
18528
catalog number
93729

Forage cap

This Baltimore Mounted Rifleman cap was purchased from Canfield Bros. & Company. Militiaman Thomas Hill of the Maryland National Guard wore it when he went to fight for the Union. During the Civil War it was common for soldiers to have two kinds of headgear.
Description
This Baltimore Mounted Rifleman cap was purchased from Canfield Bros. & Company. Militiaman Thomas Hill of the Maryland National Guard wore it when he went to fight for the Union. During the Civil War it was common for soldiers to have two kinds of headgear. An order issued by the U.S. War Department in 1858 called for enlisted men to receive each year one dress hat and a fatigue or forage cap like this red one.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1860-1880
ID Number
AF.65427M
catalog number
65427M
accession number
227582

Waist belt plate

Model 1851 U.S. Cavalry Sword Waist-Belt Plate.Union regulations called for oval "US" plates to be used on most waist belts and on cartridge boxes, and for circular eagle plates to be used on shoulder belts.
Description
Model 1851 U.S. Cavalry Sword Waist-Belt Plate.
Union regulations called for oval "US" plates to be used on most waist belts and on cartridge boxes, and for circular eagle plates to be used on shoulder belts. Union cavalrymen, however, used a rectangular eagle plate on the waist belt that held their sword.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1862
ID Number
AF.15399
catalog number
15399
accession number
58300
catalog number
287145

Confederate Army Infantry Colonel’s Vest

This vest was worn by a colonel in the Confederate Army Infantry. Single-breasted black wool vest with blue and red stripes. There is a single row of six small brass buttons on the front breast.
Description
This vest was worn by a colonel in the Confederate Army Infantry. Single-breasted black wool vest with blue and red stripes. There is a single row of six small brass buttons on the front breast. The buttons are decorated with an eagle grasping an anchor and encircled by thirteen stars. The vest is finished along the collar, flaps, and bottom front with black cording and blue, green, and brown ribbon. There is one horizontal slash pocket on the left front side of the vest and two on the right front. The back of the vest is constructed from brown cotton. There are two adjustable straps on the back waist, one with a metal buckle. Handwritten in ink on the inside of the right strap is the text, "R. W. Harper Sept-12 60". The inside is fully lined with off-white cotton. There is a pocket in the left side of the lining and a leather strip on the bottom inside of each side of the vest.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1860-1865
user
Harper, Robert W.
ID Number
AF.42581
catalog number
42581
accession number
163704

Ulysses S. Grant's U.S. Military Academy Cadet Coatee

This was Ulysses S. Grant's U.S. Military Academy cadet coatee, worn circa 1839. Grant was a member of the class of 1843. Gray wool coatee with a standing collar, an unlined body, and cream colored cotton lining in the sleeves.
Description
This was Ulysses S. Grant's U.S. Military Academy cadet coatee, worn circa 1839. Grant was a member of the class of 1843. Gray wool coatee with a standing collar, an unlined body, and cream colored cotton lining in the sleeves. There are three rows of seven round brass ball-style buttons down the front chest, three buttons on each sleeve, one on each side of the collar, and one on each shoulder. There is a brass ball-style button at the top of each coat tail at the mid-back of the waist, two in the mid-section of the coat tail, and there was originally one button on the bottom of each coat tail. The bottom left coat tail button is currently missing. Each coat tail also has a row of three black embroidered chevrons, point down, with a ball-style button on the end of each point.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c.1839
associated date
1839-1843
1839
associated person; user
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson)
ID Number
AF.39361
catalog number
39361
accession number
134018

Grand Army of the Republic Medal and Ribbon Device

Physical DescriptionMetal button.Specific HistoryBadge from the Pennsylvania GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) veterans group’s semiannual encampment on the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.General HistoryGrand Army of the Republic encampments were popular events organ
Description
Physical Description
Metal button.
Specific History
Badge from the Pennsylvania GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) veterans group’s semiannual encampment on the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.
General History
Grand Army of the Republic encampments were popular events organized by various posts of former Union soldiers. These events were held on a regular basis and various ribbons and emblems were distributed.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1883
associated institution
Grand Army of the Republic
ID Number
AF.58263M
catalog number
58263M
accession number
210127

Trousers

These Zouave-style trousers belonged to Lieutenant Charles R. Carville of the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This was the 2nd Battalion of the famed 5th New York Volunteer Duryee's Zouaves. This unit primarily served in the Lower Seaboard Theater of the Civil War.
Description
These Zouave-style trousers belonged to Lieutenant Charles R. Carville of the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This was the 2nd Battalion of the famed 5th New York Volunteer Duryee's Zouaves. This unit primarily served in the Lower Seaboard Theater of the Civil War. In 1864 the 165th moved northward to join Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
ca 1861-1865
ID Number
AF.10623
accession number
46623
catalog number
239198

Confederate Army Colonel Robert W. Harper's Trousers

These dismounted trousers were worn by Confederate Army Infantry Colonel Robert W. Harper. Medium blue wool unlined trousers with five flat brown nonmetal four-hole buttons at the fly and six buttons around the waistband.
Description
These dismounted trousers were worn by Confederate Army Infantry Colonel Robert W. Harper. Medium blue wool unlined trousers with five flat brown nonmetal four-hole buttons at the fly and six buttons around the waistband. The top button on the fly is on the inside of the waist with a button loop on the opposite side. There are two frog-mouth pockets on each side which button with a small silk-covered button, and a single watch pocket on the right side of the waist. There is a 1 1/2" "V" shaped slit at the back of the pants and a rear metal buckle adjustable strap. There is a 3/8" gold metallic braid down the side seam of each pant leg. The waist facing and pockets are made of cream colored cotton. "Col Harper" is written both on the right side of the watch pocket (in pen) and on the right front waist band facing (in pencil). The cuff is lined for about six inches up the pant leg.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
user; associated person
Harper, Robert W.
ID Number
AF.42578
catalog number
42578
accession number
163704

Spotsylvania Stump

Physical DescriptionWooden tree stump.Specific HistoryUntil May 12, 1864, this shattered stump was a large oak tree in a rolling meadow just outside Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia. That morning, 1,200 entrenched Confederates, the front line of General Robert E.
Description
Physical Description
Wooden tree stump.
Specific History
Until May 12, 1864, this shattered stump was a large oak tree in a rolling meadow just outside Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia. That morning, 1,200 entrenched Confederates, the front line of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, awaited the assault of 5,000 Union troops from the Second Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Twenty hours later, the once-peaceful meadow had acquired a new name, the Bloody Angle. The same fury of rifle bullets that cut down 2,000 combatants tore away all but twenty-two inches of the tree's trunk. Several of the conical minie balls (bullets) are still deeply embedded in the wood. Unusual objects of war, such as this tree stump, come to symbolize the horror and heroism of a great battle. Originally presented to the U.S. Army's Ordnance Museum by Brevet Major General Nelson A. Miles, the stump was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1888.
associated date
1864-05
ID Number
AF.4435
catalog number
4435
accession number
20209

Service dress cap, Admiral Farragut

Farragut made his advance on New Orleans in April 1862 with his foster brother, Commander David Dixon Porter whose father assumed responsibility for young Farragut and took him to sea as a midshipman.
Description
Farragut made his advance on New Orleans in April 1862 with his foster brother, Commander David Dixon Porter whose father assumed responsibility for young Farragut and took him to sea as a midshipman. The subsequent capture and control of New Orleans, the South’s largest city and major point of Confederate commerce, was a key triumph for Northern forces. Farragut was rewarded for this victory with the rank of Rear Admiral. This cap was worn by Admiral Farragut during the Civil War.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1862-1864
associated person
Farragut, David Glasgow
ID Number
AF.17518
accession number
61402
catalog number
17518

Burnside hat

Also known as a "Burnside Pattern" hat, this softer version of the Hardee hat was much like a slouch hat in appearance and comfort.
Description
Also known as a "Burnside Pattern" hat, this softer version of the Hardee hat was much like a slouch hat in appearance and comfort. It was worn by Lieutenant Nathan Levy of the 10th Michigan Infantry Regiment.
Originally born in Poland in 1839, Levy immigrated to the United States in 1852. Before the war he worked in the clothing business and eventually owned a store in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On October 1, 1862 at age 24, Levy received a commission for 2nd Lieutenant of Company H, which was known as the "McClellan Guards." He was then promoted on July 15, 1863 to 1st Lieutenant, Company I. Levy resigned and was honorably discharged on January 12, 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
AF.44416M
catalog number
44416M
accession number
172699

John Singleton Mosby's Cavalry Jacket and Hat

Physical DescriptionDouble-breasted gray wool shell jacket with buff facings. Adorned with brass muffin buttons. Gray felt slouch hat trimmed in grosgrain ribbon.
Description
Physical Description
Double-breasted gray wool shell jacket with buff facings. Adorned with brass muffin buttons. Gray felt slouch hat trimmed in grosgrain ribbon. The style would become known as a Mosby hat.
Specific History
This slouch hat was worn by John Mosby when he was wounded by federal cavalry in December 1864. According to Virgil Carrington Jones, author of Grey Ghosts and Rebel Raiders, this hat was left behind in a house in Rector’s Cross Roads, Virginia. Forty years later, Sarah Halstead, the daughter of a 13th New York Cavalry officer, returned the hat to Mosby. A few days after it arrived, Mosby went to the White House and presented the hat to President Theodore Roosevelt.
General History
Confederate cavalry leader John Mosby is among the most romantic characters in the Civil War, with good reason. From 1863 to the end of the conflict, Mosby's raiders were a constant headache for the North. The raiders usually acted in small detachments of several dozen, though more than 1,000 men served under Mosby. They sacked supply depots, attacked railroads, and harassed federal troops. They seemed to move behind enemy lines almost at will. Their most celebrated exploit occurred when Mosby himself rode into Fairfax Station, Virginia, in the dead of night and kidnapped a Union general.
user
Mosby, John Singleton
ID Number
AF.4409B
accession number
020063
catalog number
4409B

40-pound Ball Shot

On April 12, 1861 at 4:30 a.m. canon fire shattered that Friday's morning silence as the Confederates opened the Civil War with the first shot. Their target was Fort Sumter, a Union stronghold located off the coast of South Carolina.
Description
On April 12, 1861 at 4:30 a.m. canon fire shattered that Friday's morning silence as the Confederates opened the Civil War with the first shot. Their target was Fort Sumter, a Union stronghold located off the coast of South Carolina. Thirty-four hours later, the fort would surrender and the Confederate forces would claim their first victory.
This 40-pound ball shot was fired from Fort Sumter. The shot was aimed at a floating battery near Sullivan's Island.
date made
ca 1860
ID Number
AF.10865
catalog number
10865
accession number
48535

Army Sergeant's Trousers, Model 1858

These model 1858 dismounted trousers would have been worn by a sergeant. Pair of unlined dark blue wool twill trousers with a five-button fly (buttons are of tin) and four large tin buttons around the waist.
Description
These model 1858 dismounted trousers would have been worn by a sergeant. Pair of unlined dark blue wool twill trousers with a five-button fly (buttons are of tin) and four large tin buttons around the waist. There is an additional button on the opposite interior side that corresponds to a button hole along the waistband seam for reinforcement of the closing of the fly. The buttonholes are hidden. There is a vertical slash pocket on each side seam and a watch pocket on the top edge of the right front waistband. The watch pocket opening is reinforced with an additional layer of fabric. The pants are hand-stitched with brown thread. There is a 1.5" orange or faded red stripe of wool tape running along the side seam of each pant leg from the bottom of the waistband down to the inside cuff. The waistband lining and pockets are natural cotton; the fly lining is made of brown cotton. There is a 1" slit at the bottom of the outer seam of each trouser leg. There is a 3.5" "V" shaped slit with a reinforced eyelet on each side at the back waist. There is a stamp on the left back waistband lining which reads, "10." To the left of this stamp are two circular black sizing dots.
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1858-1861
ID Number
2007.0069.36
catalog number
2007.0069.36
accession number
2007.0069

Ulysses Grant's Camp Chair

Physical DescriptionWood with a canvas seat.Specific HistoryThis camp chair was used by Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. After the war, Grant gave the camp chair to his former aid-de-camp George Goodsell of the 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment.
Description
Physical Description
Wood with a canvas seat.
Specific History
This camp chair was used by Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. After the war, Grant gave the camp chair to his former aid-de-camp George Goodsell of the 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment.
date made
pre 1865
associated dates
1861-1865
user
Grant, Ulysses S.
ID Number
1985.0713.01
catalog number
1985.0713.01
accession number
1985.0713

Model 1851 frock coat

This Model 1851 frock coat was worn by Lieutenant Charles R. Carville of the 165th New York State Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Description
This Model 1851 frock coat was worn by Lieutenant Charles R. Carville of the 165th New York State Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This unit, also known as the 2nd Battalion Duryee Zouaves, fought at the Battle of Port Hudson which turned into a siege that lasted for 48 days (May 21- July 9, 1863). Carville was killed in battle on May 27th. The siege was ultimately a Union victory; however, both sides suffered thousands of casualties.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
associated person; user
Carville, Charles R.
ID Number
AF.10621
accession number
46623
catalog number
10621

Model 1858 Hardee hat

This Pattern 1858 Army Hat, also known as a Hardee hat, was authorized by the War Department three years before the Civil War began and was worn by some soldiers during the conflict. Made of stiff black felt, it replaced the Pattern 1851 Army Hat.
Description
This Pattern 1858 Army Hat, also known as a Hardee hat, was authorized by the War Department three years before the Civil War began and was worn by some soldiers during the conflict. Made of stiff black felt, it replaced the Pattern 1851 Army Hat. This example is marked with the crossed-cannons insignia of the artillery branch.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.25124.008
catalog number
25124.008
accession number
64127

Wooden marker

Lieutenant Charles R. Carville was among the nearly five thousand Union men killed or wounded at the Battle of Port Hudson, Louisiana. He was only 18 years old when he enlisted in the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1862.
Description
Lieutenant Charles R. Carville was among the nearly five thousand Union men killed or wounded at the Battle of Port Hudson, Louisiana. He was only 18 years old when he enlisted in the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1862. This regiment was the 2nd Battalion Duryee Zouaves, a unit known for fierce fighting. Carville probably felt compelled, like many his age, to serve his country and take part in the great events that would define his generation.
On May 27, 1863 the Battle of Port Hudson left nearly two thousand federals dead or wounded. Carville fought that day with the "soul and heart of a man and patriot," according to his obituary in a New York newspaper. The headboard marked the temporary spot where he was buried on the battlefield.
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Carville, Charles R.
ID Number
AF.10625
catalog number
10625
accession number
46623

Telescope (Spyglass)

Spyglass used by the Confederate Army Signal Corps during the American Civil War. One inscription at the eye end reads “Negretti & Zambra Instrument Makers to Her Majesty, London.” Another reads “Signal Service / C. S. A. / NO. 6.”
Description
Spyglass used by the Confederate Army Signal Corps during the American Civil War. One inscription at the eye end reads “Negretti & Zambra Instrument Makers to Her Majesty, London.” Another reads “Signal Service / C. S. A. / NO. 6.”
date made
ca 1860
maker
Negretti & Zambra
ID Number
1988.0739.01
catalog number
1988.0739.01
accession number
1988.0739

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