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.

Date: 1860s

Tintype with hardtack frame

This innovative piece of memorabilia consists of a tintype of Augustus B. Hayes in a hardtack frame. At the age of 18, Hayes enlisted in the 1st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery Battery B on August 8, 1862.
Description
This innovative piece of memorabilia consists of a tintype of Augustus B. Hayes in a hardtack frame. At the age of 18, Hayes enlisted in the 1st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery Battery B on August 8, 1862. Hayes was wounded on December 31, 1862 in the Battle of Stones River. Despite this he served three more years and was mustered out June 16, 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
1979.0916.02
catalog number
1979.0916.02
accession number
1979.0916

Philadelphia Fire Zouave waist belt plate

The "P.F.Z." on this waist belt plate stands for Philadelphia Fire Zouaves, who filled the ranks of the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. The men who comprised this unit came from fire companies throughout Philadelphia. The 72nd were led by Col.
Description
The "P.F.Z." on this waist belt plate stands for Philadelphia Fire Zouaves, who filled the ranks of the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. The men who comprised this unit came from fire companies throughout Philadelphia. The 72nd were led by Col. DeWitt Clinton Baxter and were also referred to as Baxter's Fire Zouaves.
associated date
1861-1862
ID Number
AF.60706M
catalog number
60706M
accession number
223708

Army Cavalry Corporal's Trousers, Model 1861, Type III

These model 1861 type III mounted trousers would have been worn by a Corporal in a U.S. Army Cavalry regiment. Pair of sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with five flat tin four hole buttons at the fly and six buttons around the waistband.
Description
These model 1861 type III mounted trousers would have been worn by a Corporal in a U.S. Army Cavalry regiment. Pair of sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with five flat tin four hole buttons at the fly and six buttons around the waistband. There are two vertical slash pockets and a watch pocket at the right side of the waist. The trousers are unlined. Waist facing and pockets are made of cream colored cotton. There is a second layer of kersey reinforcement covering the seat of the pants to the trouser bottom. There is a single 5/8 inch yelow stripe on the outside seam of each leg. There is a "V" shaped slit and two eyelet holes for waist adjustment at the rear waistband. On the inside of the right waistband is stamped: "A & S OCT 10th, 1864" and the number "15". On the left side is stamped a six pointed star. The trousers are hand stitched with heavy brown thread. There are four small tin buttons at the bottom edge of each trouser leg, two located on the outside seam and two on the opposite seam. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outside seam of each leg. It is reinforced inside with a rectangular piece of cotton.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861
associated date
1861 - 1872
1861
maker
Anspach & Stanton
ID Number
AF.25101.010
catalog number
25101.010
accession number
64127

"Hundred Days"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860s
associated date
1864 12 15
originator (author or composer, etc.)
Lincoln, Abraham
ID Number
AF.67944M
catalog number
67944M
accession number
246767

Confederate Army Brigadier General Marcus J. Wright’s Frock Coat

This is Confederate Army Brigadier General Marcus J. Wright’s double breasted gray wool frock coat. The coat originally had two rows of eight large gilt eagle staff-type buttons down the front, placed in pairs. The bottom pair of buttons on the right side are now missing.
Description
This is Confederate Army Brigadier General Marcus J. Wright’s double breasted gray wool frock coat. The coat originally had two rows of eight large gilt eagle staff-type buttons down the front, placed in pairs. The bottom pair of buttons on the right side are now missing. Three small buttons are also missing on each cuff, and two buttons are missing on the bottom of each pocket in the rear of the coat. Both sides of the jacket have button holes. There is a hook and eye closure at the collar. The collar and cuffs are faced with buff wool and the cuffs form an inverted "V". There are four rows of elaborate 1/8" gold braided metallic lace, called an Austrian knot, sewed on with a single row of gold thread above the cuff. The gold tape also lines the cuff. The collar has a wreath with three gold stars enclosed and embroidered in gold and silver thread on each side. The center star on each side of the collar is larger than the others. The buttonhole flaps and front of the skirt are piped with blue wool. The coat is fully lined. The button flaps and the inside of the collar are lined with buff wool. The sleeves are fully lined with cotton twill. The rest of the lining is a tan-colored cotton. The chest, shoulder, and underarm are lightly padded and quilted. There is a slit breast pocket on the inside left. There is a deep pocket in each coattail in between the coat and the lining. There are remnants of a loop made of cotton at the inside back collar.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
user; associated person
Wright, Marcus Joseph
ID Number
AF.34754
catalog number
34754
accession number
83543

Model 1861 forage cap

Although this dark blue forage cap looks like it might have belonged to a Union officer, it actually belonged to Colonel Robert Harper of the 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles.
Description
Although this dark blue forage cap looks like it might have belonged to a Union officer, it actually belonged to Colonel Robert Harper of the 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles. The forage cap is French type and the color suggests that Harper most likely served as a staff officer before becoming colonel.
Before the war began, Harper owned a cotton plantation along the Arkansas River. In 1860 he was elected to the Arkansas State Legislation where he voted for the Act of Secession. In June of 1861 he was mustered into service. According to the museum file notes, Harper died in battle at Chickamauga, "his horse was killed, and he ran forward on foot to re-form the advance line which was broken, and while in the very front of his command was struck by a cannon ball and almost instantly killed, September 20, 1863."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.42579
catalog number
42579
accession number
163704

Battle Rattle

Wooden Civil War battle rattles like this one, commonly made of White Oak or similar wood, were used on ships to call all hands to battle stations.
Description
Wooden Civil War battle rattles like this one, commonly made of White Oak or similar wood, were used on ships to call all hands to battle stations.
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
1984.0342.01
accession number
1984.0342
catalog number
1984.0342.01

Fused Minie Balls

Physical DescriptionLead minie balls, fused on impact.Specific HistoryThese two minie balls from opposing sides met head-on during fierce fighting at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in December 1862.
Description
Physical Description
Lead minie balls, fused on impact.
Specific History
These two minie balls from opposing sides met head-on during fierce fighting at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in December 1862.
ID Number
AF.237846
accession number
45871
catalog number
237846

canteen

associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
AF.UE-097
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.1037

Model 1854; Dismounted

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1854 - 1861
1854
ID Number
AF.25101.096
catalog number
25101.096
accession number
64127

Union Mounted Greatcoat

Physical DescriptionSky-blue wool, double breasted, stand and fall collar with over cape to top of cuffs. Gold-colored buttons.General HistoryUnion cavalry and mounted artillery soldiers were issued greatcoats to be worn over their uniforms during the winter months.
Description
Physical Description
Sky-blue wool, double breasted, stand and fall collar with over cape to top of cuffs. Gold-colored buttons.
General History
Union cavalry and mounted artillery soldiers were issued greatcoats to be worn over their uniforms during the winter months.
date made
1858-1865
ID Number
1997.3044.277
nonaccession number
1997.3044
catalog number
1997.3044.277

Berdan Sharpshooter Uniform

Physical DescriptionJacket of army wool dyed a distinctive green color. Green wool forage cap with leather trim.
Description
Physical Description
Jacket of army wool dyed a distinctive green color. Green wool forage cap with leather trim. Frock coat of green wool with brass buttons were later replaced with hard, black rubber buttons to prevent reflection from the light.
General History
Uniform and hat of soldiers of the 1st Regiment of U.S. Sharpshooters, better known as Berdan's Sharpshooters. Mustered in 1861, this unit was commanded by Colonel Hiram Berdan. Berdan was an inventor considered by some to be the best marksman in America. At the outset of the Civil War, Berdan believed that current infantry tactics were outdated. He wrangled a meeting with President Lincoln and presented his idea of forming a special unit of soldiers. These soldiers would be “Sharpshooters” from every state. Their goal would be to fire on specific targets rather than simply firing en masse. Lincoln was impressed with the idea and authorized 100 men to join Berdan. To qualify, recruits had to place ten shots within five inches of a bull's-eye at a distance of six hundred feet. They were the only volunteer unit in the war to bear the designation “United States” and the only one supplied by the federal government.
date made
ca 1861
unit formed
1861
commander of unit
Berdan, C. H.
authorized unit
Lincoln, Abraham
ID Number
AF.24939
accession number
64127
catalog number
24939

Rogers Field Drum

This field drum was made by A. Rogers in Flushing, New York, around 1862-1864. 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 field drum was made by A. Rogers in Flushing, New York, around 1862-1864. 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 around the vent hole. There is a printed label inside the shell that is inscribed:

MANUFACTURED
BY
A. ROGERS,
FLUSHING, L.I.

A. Rogers was one of many drum makers which were granted contracts to produce drums for the Army. This drum, like many of the era, most likely was an Army surplus drum as it lacks any specific regiment markings.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-1864
ID Number
1980.0399.0025
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.0025

Hardtack Picture Frame

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1865
ID Number
1979.0916.01
catalog number
1979.0916.01
accession number
1979.0916
catalog number
85806M

Civil War Soldier's Mess

Physical DescriptionSmall metal box to protect matches, two-piece lantern, metal frying pan, and cup. Hardtack.General HistoryA match safe, lantern, frying pan, and cup would have been part of a soldier’s equipment.
Description
Physical Description
Small metal box to protect matches, two-piece lantern, metal frying pan, and cup. Hardtack.
General History
A match safe, lantern, frying pan, and cup would have been part of a soldier’s equipment. Hardtack is the name given to a thick cracker made of flour, water, and sometimes salt. While it has been called by several nicknames, the Union Army of the Potomac referred to the ration as hardtack, and the name stuck. When stored properly, hardtack would last for years. Because it could be prepared cheaply and would last so long, hardtack was the most convenient food for soldiers. The army furnished hardtack by weight, but in most units the biscuits were doled out by number, with a ration generally being nine or ten.
associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
AF.55596
catalog number
55596
accession number
195333

Army Artillery Corporal’s Trousers, Model 1860, Type I

These model 1860 type I mounted trousers would have been worn by a Corporal in a U.S. Army Artillery regiment. Pair of sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a six button fly and four large buttons around the waist. Buttons are tin.
Description
These model 1860 type I mounted trousers would have been worn by a Corporal in a U.S. Army Artillery regiment. Pair of sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a six button fly and four large buttons around the waist. Buttons are tin. There are two vertical slash pockets and a watch pocket on the right side of the waist. The waistband facing and pockets are made of cotton twill. There are four circular sizing dots and the text "E.A." stamped on both sides of the back waistband facing. The text "G.G.W." and two circular black sizing dots are stamped on the left side seam of the facing. There is a "V" shaped slit and two eyelet holes for waist adjustment at the rear of the waistband. There is a second layer of kersey material added to the seat and inside both legs and a 1/2" red wool tape stripe that runs from the top of the pocket to the cuff on the outside seam of each leg. The trousers are unlined. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outer seam of each trouser leg with reinforcement at the top and two small tin buttons on each seam inside of each cuff of the pant legs.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861
1860
ID Number
AF.25101.025
catalog number
25101.025
accession number
64127

Confederate Waist Belt Plate, South Carolina

This is an example of a Confederate waist belt plate. The circular emblem in the center of the oak leaf wreath depicts a palmetto tree. The palmetto is also a central symbol in the state seal of South Carolina.Currently not on view
Description
This is an example of a Confederate waist belt plate. The circular emblem in the center of the oak leaf wreath depicts a palmetto tree. The palmetto is also a central symbol in the state seal of South Carolina.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.60623M
catalog number
60623M
collector/donor number
379
accession number
223708

Model 1858 Hardee Hat

The Hardee hat was a standard issue for Union Army men. However, many thought that it was too uncomfortable and instead reached for their forage cap or slouch hat. This Hardee hat is rife with military symbols which denoted the soldiers place in the army.
Description
The Hardee hat was a standard issue for Union Army men. However, many thought that it was too uncomfortable and instead reached for their forage cap or slouch hat. This Hardee hat is rife with military symbols which denoted the soldiers place in the army. The horn insignia, sky blue cord, and left upturned brim all signified that this hat belonged to an infantryman. The "A" above the horn stands for the Company to which the soldier belonged.
ID Number
AF.25124.021
accession number
64127

Model 1851; Dismounted

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1864
associated date
1851 - 1854
1851
ID Number
AF.25101.099
catalog number
25101.099
accession number
64127

Confederate Army Colonel George T. Rogers’ Frock Coat

This jacket was worn by Confederate Army Colonel George T. Rogers of the 6th Virginia Infantry. Conforms to the Model 1861 pattern as listed in the Uniforms and Dress of the Army of the Confederate States except for the lack of full facings at the cuffs and collar.
Description
This jacket was worn by Confederate Army Colonel George T. Rogers of the 6th Virginia Infantry. Conforms to the Model 1861 pattern as listed in the Uniforms and Dress of the Army of the Confederate States except for the lack of full facings at the cuffs and collar. Double breasted gray wool frock coat with two rows of seven large gilt general service eagle buttons down the front, two at the back waist, two on each coattail, and two small buttons on each cuff. Both sides of the coat's breast have button holes. There is a hook and eye closure at the collar. There are three rows of 1/8" gold lace woven into an arabesque above the cuff. The top edge of the collar, the front edges of the coat breast, and flaps on each coattail are trimmed with blue wool piping. There is a deep pocket in each coattail. The left collar has three five-point metal stars. The right collar has two five-point stars and a hole in place of a third. The inside of the collar is lined with black velvet. The entire jacket is lined with dark green cotton-wool mix fabric. The lining of the sleeves is cotton. The fronts of the jacket are lightly padded and quilted. There is a breast pocket in the front left.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
AF.5766
catalog number
5766
accession number
23650

Model 1868 and 1872 Prototype

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1868
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80768W36
accession number
64127

Recruitment poster

One motive for enlistment was the desire of young men on both sides to prove their courage and conviction to friends and neighbors who volunteered with them, to local leaders who organized their regiments, and to the public at large.
Description
One motive for enlistment was the desire of young men on both sides to prove their courage and conviction to friends and neighbors who volunteered with them, to local leaders who organized their regiments, and to the public at large. Many immigrants from Ireland and Germany, hoping to gain full recognition as American citizens, joined the Union Army. Some men answered appeals like the broadside above, issued by Colonel Joshua T. Owen, who raised a regiment in Philadelphia to serve in Colonel Edward Baker's brigade.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
AF.78969M
accession number
308845
catalog number
78969M
308845.906

Regulation Military Bugle

This bugle was sold by the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York and made around 1861 to 1865. Many of the brass wind instruments sold by J. Howard Foote were made by John F. Stratton. It is a single coil C bugle made of copper with a brass lead pipe and ferrule.
Description

This bugle was sold by the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York and made around 1861 to 1865. Many of the brass wind instruments sold by J. Howard Foote were made by John F. Stratton. It is a single coil C bugle made of copper with a brass lead pipe and ferrule. This bugle features a medallion inscribed:

J.H.F.
[lyre]
C & NY.

John F. Stratton received many government contracts to manufacture instruments during the Civil War. This bugle is typical of the regulation style infantry bugles made for the United States Army.

John Howard Foote (1833-1896) was a musical instrument dealer with shops in New York City and Chicago. This instrument listed in an 1880 J. Howard Foote catalog, sold as an Army or Infantry bugle (#5160), for $3.75.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861 - 1865
ID Number
MI.055605
accession number
11535
catalog number
55605

Confederate Army Frock Coat, Model 1861

This Confederate Army frock coat would have been worn during the American Civil War. It is a single breasted gray wool frock coat with eight brass State of Virginia buttons down the front.
Description
This Confederate Army frock coat would have been worn during the American Civil War. It is a single breasted gray wool frock coat with eight brass State of Virginia buttons down the front. The buttons depict the Virginia state motto of "Sic Semper Tyrannis" around an image of Virtus standing over a defeated Tyranny. The bottom button on the chest is missing, and two buttons are missing on the back waist. There are two locations with missing buttons on the back of the skirt. There are three smaller brass buttons on the right cuff and two on the left cuff. The top button is missing on the left cuff. There are cloth belt loops on each side just above the waist and secured with a small button on the upper end of the loop. There is single breast pocket in the left inside of the coat. The coat is fully lined with padded wool. Sleeves are lined with a polka-dotted fabric. The same fabric is used to make a fabric loop on the inside collar.
Location
Currently not on view
associated dates
1861-1865
ID Number
1983.0860.01
catalog number
1983.0860.01
accession number
1983.0860

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