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, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 8th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white six-point star inset in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Flag seams are flat-felled. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Brg 2nd Div 8 Army Corps R. ...[illegible]".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white six-point star inset in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Flag seams are flat-felled. Inscription on hoist reads "1st Brg 2nd Div 8 Army Corps R. ...[illegible]".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25238J
catalog number
25238J
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a white five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div 3rd Brg. 20th Army Corps R.C. Toy [illegible] N.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a white five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div 3rd Brg. 20th Army Corps R.C. Toy [illegible] N. [illegible]th 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.25250L
catalog number
25250L
accession number
64127

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

Physical Description:Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with white sphere applique in center. Unbleached fabric for hoist. Machine-stitched flat fell panel seams; machine and hand-stitched pole sleeve. Hand-stitched flat fell seamed central panel motif inset (single layer).
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with white sphere applique in center. Unbleached fabric for hoist. Machine-stitched flat fell panel seams; machine and hand-stitched pole sleeve. Hand-stitched flat fell seamed central panel motif inset (single layer). Machine-stitched turned under hems on top and bottom. Hand-stitched cord casing in hoist with cord still in place. Inscription on hoist reads "1 ARMY CORPS 2 Div 1 Brig HORSTMANN/PHILADELPHIA."
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 all of its corps, and on March 21, 1863, the 1st Army Corps, under General Joseph Hooker, issued and 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.25232X
catalog number
25232X
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 21st Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. In the white band next to the hoist edge is a black five-point star applique with a white number "2" painted in the center.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. In the white band next to the hoist edge is a black five-point star applique with a white number "2" painted in the center. White cotton canvas hoist with twill tape tabs hand-sewn on. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Brg 1st Div 21st Army Corps." Flag is machine-stitched.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251D
catalog number
25251D
accession number
64127

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

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

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Department of West Virginia

Post March 23, 1864 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. The flag is divided into three sections by a large white bend that runs from the top hoist to the bottom fly. The top section, on the fly, is a red field (triangle-shaped).
Description
Post March 23, 1864 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. The flag is divided into three sections by a large white bend that runs from the top hoist to the bottom fly. The top section, on the fly, is a red field (triangle-shaped). The bottom section, on the hoist, is a blue field (also triangle-shaped). Running in a diagonal line on the middle section (the white bend) are three blue five-point stars. A white number "3" is painted in each star. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg 3rd Div Dept of West Va."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25286C
catalog number
25286C
accession number
64127

Bailey & Co. Presentation Sword, Inscribed "The City of Philadelphia to Major General George B. McClellan 1861"

Sword: The blade of this presentation sword is long, straight, and double-edged. It has a deep narrow groove that runs down the center of both sides, and is decorated in silver chasing with United States Army trophies and floral sprays, eagles, and scroll designs.
Description
Sword: The blade of this presentation sword is long, straight, and double-edged. It has a deep narrow groove that runs down the center of both sides, and is decorated in silver chasing with United States Army trophies and floral sprays, eagles, and scroll designs. The grip of the sword is gold mounted and encircled spirally with a long chain of laurel sprays. These leaves are set with pearls. There are 67 pearls total, (there are supposed to be 69, but two are missing), on the grip alone. The space between the sprays on the obverse is set with 13 (fake) diamonds. The pommel features a gold plated eagle fighting a snake which is curled around the end of the grip and part of the knuckleguard. The knuckleguard is decorated with oak leaf scrolls and beadwork, and the center of the obverse features a medallion set diagonally with six pearls, (there are supposed to be seven pearls, but one is missing). The knuckleguard terminates in a quillon that features and oak leaf scroll. The hinged counterguard on the obverse bears McClellan's monogram, "GBMC," in a fancy script and is surrounded by oak floral sprays. The reverse of the counterguard is more simple, and features an oak scroll branch with two acorns.
Scabbard: The gold plated scabbard bears three gold mounts and three carrying rings. The two mounts closest to the top of the sword bear a coat of arms. Under the coat of arms, the mount has been designed to look like tree bark. The last mount, at the tip of the scabbard, is the drag. It is covered in floral sprays. The top three quarters of the scabbard itself is also covered in ornate floral sprays and scroll designs. The reverse bears the maker's mark and the back of the mounts. The two mounts closest to the top are decorated like the bark of a tree, and the drag (bottom mount) is covered in floral sprays.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
associated date
1861-07-31
recipient
McClellan, George B.
presenter
City of Philadelphia
maker
Bailey and Company
ID Number
AF.30804
catalog number
30804
accession number
65865

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all edges. In the center of the flag is a red pentagonal cross. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all edges. In the center of the flag is a red pentagonal cross. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila 22 Army Corps 3rd Brg 1st Div." Machine-stitched flag seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252G
catalog number
25252G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Department of West Virginia

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white border on the hoist edge. 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 white and black pigment and faces the hoist of the flag.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a white border on the hoist edge. 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 white and black pigment and faces the hoist of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div Dept of West Va."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25261L
catalog number
25261L
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Artillery Brigade, 17th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with yellow fringe on all edges of the flag except for the hoist. Cotton applique white horizontal arrow, pointing towards the fly, in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with an inscription that reads "Brg/Art'y 15 Army Corps R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with yellow fringe on all edges of the flag except for the hoist. Cotton applique white horizontal arrow, pointing towards the fly, in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with an inscription that reads "Brg/Art'y 15 Army Corps R.C. Toy 49 N. 9th Phila." Machine-stitched using white thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25247B
catalog number
25247B
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. White field with a wide yellow border around all sides except the hoist. In the center of the flag is a black cartridge box with a yellow oval/plate on the front flap. Inside the plate are the letters "U.S" (There is no period after the "S").
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. White field with a wide yellow border around all sides except the hoist. In the center of the flag is a black cartridge box with a yellow oval/plate on the front flap. Inside the plate are the letters "U.S" (There is no period after the "S"). Contrast stitching in white outlines the cartridge box. Above the cartridge box, written in an arc, is the phrase "FORTY ROUNDS" in black letters. White heading with no grommets. Stamped on the hoist is the following: "3rd Brg 2nd Div 15th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25245K
catalog number
25245K
accession number
64127

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a white heart applique. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border on the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a white heart applique. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 2nd Brg 2nd Div." Machine stitching; flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254K
catalog number
25254K
accession number
64127

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center, similar to a Maltese cross. White hoist with no grommets. The hoist has an inscription that reads "3rd Brg. 1st Div.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a fan-leaved cross with an octagonal center, similar to a Maltese cross. White hoist with no grommets. The hoist has an inscription that reads "3rd Brg. 1st Div. 19th 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.25249X
catalog number
25249X
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with red pie-shaped triangles in each corner. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White cotton applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with red pie-shaped triangles in each corner. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White cotton applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila CAVALRY Corps Army POTOMAC 4th Brg 2nd Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25229N
catalog number
25229N
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a red circular cross in the center of the flag. The cross resembles a Maltese cross whose outer edges are curved, forming a circle. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a red circular cross in the center of the flag. The cross resembles a Maltese cross whose outer edges are curved, forming a circle. White hoist with no grommets. Stamped on the hoist is an inscription which reads "1st Div 14 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.25246D
catalog number
25246D
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Command, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. A red number "2" is stenciled in red paint on top of the crossed swords. Red border on the hoist edge of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. A red number "2" is stenciled in red paint on top of the crossed swords. Red border on the hoist edge of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Brg 3rd Div Cavalry Command." Machine stitching; flat-felled panel seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25260L
catalog number
25260L
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Yellow field with a wide red border around all sides except the hoist. In the center of the flag is a black cotton cartridge box with a yellow wool oval on the front flap. Painted in the oval are the letters "U.S" in black.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Yellow field with a wide red border around all sides except the hoist. In the center of the flag is a black cotton cartridge box with a yellow wool oval on the front flap. Painted in the oval are the letters "U.S" in black. White contrast stitching outlines the cartridge box. Above the cartridge box, written in an arc, is the phrase "FORTY ROUNDS" painted in black letters. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25245Q
catalog number
25245Q
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd 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 "3" 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 "3" is painted on each star in white. White cotton hoist with a hand-sewn twill tape tab at either end. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg 3rd Div 21st Army Corps." Flag panels are machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251M
catalog number
25251M
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, 7th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue inverted crescent surrounding a blue five-point star in the center of the flag. Each corner of the flag forms a red pie-shaped triangle; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue inverted crescent surrounding a blue five-point star in the center of the flag. Each corner of the flag forms a red pie-shaped triangle; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White hoist with an inscription that reads "4th Brg 3rd Div 7th Army Corps [illegible maker's mark]."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25237R
catalog number
25237R
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Artillery Brigade, 14th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag with yellow fringe on all sides except for the hoist. Red field with yellow crossed cannons above a yellow acorn. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on the hoist reads "Brg / Arty 14th Army Corps."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag with yellow fringe on all sides except for the hoist. Red field with yellow crossed cannons above a yellow acorn. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching. Inscription on the hoist reads "Brg / Arty 14th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25244O
catalog number
25244O
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 22nd 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 pentagonal cross. White cotton heading is machine-stitched and open sleeve. Hoist has no grommets. Flag seams are machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a blue pentagonal cross. White cotton heading is machine-stitched and open sleeve. Hoist has no grommets. Flag seams are machine-stitched with flat-felled seams. Inscription on hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila 22 Army Corps 2nd Brg 3rd Div".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252O
catalog number
25252O
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Headquarters, 14th Army Corps

Square flag with yellow fringe on all sides except for the hoist. Red and white striped field with blue union. Union has 33 white stars in circular pattern around a yellow acorn. White hoist. The flag is stitched with black and white threads.
Description
Square flag with yellow fringe on all sides except for the hoist. Red and white striped field with blue union. Union has 33 white stars in circular pattern around a yellow acorn. White hoist. The flag is stitched with black and white threads. Inscription on the hoist reads "Headquarters 14th Army Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25244N
catalog number
25244N
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a wide red border around all sides except the hoist. In the center of the flag is a black cotton cartridge box with a yellow wool oval on the front flap. Painted in the oval are the letters "U.S" in black.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a wide red border around all sides except the hoist. In the center of the flag is a black cotton cartridge box with a yellow wool oval on the front flap. Painted in the oval are the letters "U.S" in black. White contrast stitching outlines the cartridge box. Above the cartridge box, written in an arc, is the phrase "FORTY ROUNDS" painted in white letters. The flag is machine stitched with flat-felled seams. White cotton heading with no grommets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25245M
catalog number
25245M
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border at the hoist edge. White cotton applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with a red border at the hoist edge. White cotton applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49. N 9th Phila CAVALRY Corps Army POTOMAC 2nd Brg 2nd Div."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25229L
catalog number
25229L
accession number
64127

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.