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: France

The Light Tank in Action

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch is in wooden frame. Renault T17 tank with a camouflaged ball crossing and cleaning up a trench in foreground. Two soldiers armed with M1903 Springfields in left background. Another Renault T17 in right backgroundCurrently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch is in wooden frame. Renault T17 tank with a camouflaged ball crossing and cleaning up a trench in foreground. Two soldiers armed with M1903 Springfields in left background. Another Renault T17 in right background
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26129
catalog number
26129
accession number
64592

St. Juvin, an Argonne Village

Mixed media sketch on paper. Crumbling buildings line the road of the small village of St. Juvin.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Crumbling buildings line the road of the small village of St. Juvin. The village is located in the Argonne region of France, which was an area of intense fighting between German and American soldiers in 1918, near the end of the hostilities of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26057
catalog number
26057
accession number
64592

After the Bombardment -- Badon Viller

Charcoal sketch depicting the after-effects of the bombardment of Badonviller. An empty street, filled with rubble, is bordered by shell-torn buildings. The sketch is on white paper, which is affixed to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch depicting the after-effects of the bombardment of Badonviller. An empty street, filled with rubble, is bordered by shell-torn buildings. The sketch is on white paper, which is affixed to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25801
catalog number
25801
accession number
64592

American Soldiers

Very light ink wash and brush with touches of graphite. This interior scene is framed by the sloping roof of a loft. In the left foreground, a soldier sits on a cot holding his gun. A sword hangs on the wall in the right of the sketch.
Description
Very light ink wash and brush with touches of graphite. This interior scene is framed by the sloping roof of a loft. In the left foreground, a soldier sits on a cot holding his gun. A sword hangs on the wall in the right of the sketch. Two more soldiers can be seen through a doorway on the back wall of the loft. The sketch is done on beige wove paper mounted on beige card which is ruled in graphite. A label below the sketch, mounted on the card, reads: "AMERICAN SOLDIERS/Quartered in the loft of an old barn on the/outskirts of Chateau Thierry/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2847"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25689
catalog number
25689
accession number
64592

Courtyard of Ruined Chateau in Toul

Charcoal, ink wash, and white crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts the courtyard of a large chateau in Toul France. One of the walls of the chateau is badly damaged. Several soldiers, equipment, and trucks are in the courtyard.
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and white crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts the courtyard of a large chateau in Toul France. One of the walls of the chateau is badly damaged. Several soldiers, equipment, and trucks are in the courtyard. A label attached to the mount, underneath the sketch, reads: "COURTYARD OF RUINED CHATEAU IN THE TOUL SECTOR NOW USED AS/REPAIR WORKS FOR AUTOS AND TRUCKS./PEIXOTTO 173."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25821
catalog number
25821
accession number
64592

Linen cover with United Kingdom coat of arms

Linen cover for unknown object. Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom motif in center (red, gold, and blue shield at center; gold lion at left standing on blue banner; silver unicorn at right standing on blue banner; gold crown at top). Red and blue border around motif.
Description
Linen cover for unknown object. Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom motif in center (red, gold, and blue shield at center; gold lion at left standing on blue banner; silver unicorn at right standing on blue banner; gold crown at top). Red and blue border around motif. Made by French peasant women in French Lorraine during World War I. Sold in America through the Society for Employment of Women in France.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1914-1918
ID Number
2011.0086.15
catalog number
2011.0086.15
accession number
2011.0086

On the Trail of the Hun - St. Mihiel Drive

Watercolor and gouache drawing on paper. The work depicts an army on the march. The foreground features wagons ascending a hill; American soldiers ride in and walk along side the wagons. Half of the sky is covered by dark clouds.
Description
Watercolor and gouache drawing on paper. The work depicts an army on the march. The foreground features wagons ascending a hill; American soldiers ride in and walk along side the wagons. Half of the sky is covered by dark clouds. In the background on the left side are tents, while in the right background are the buildings of what appears to be a small town. Several airplanes are in the sky.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25662
catalog number
25662
accession number
64592

Deraisme Binoculars

This is a metal instrument covered with black leather that may date from the World War II period.
Description
This is a metal instrument covered with black leather that may date from the World War II period. The eye end of the left prism housing is marked “DERAISME / PARIS” and that on the right is marked “MILITAIRE / 8 x 30.” There is a center focus, and fine adjustment on each eyepiece.
Adolphe and Edouard Deraisme were making field glasses by the 1890s and prism binoculars by 1906. An advertisement from 1902 stated the firm specialized in instruments for military use, and many of its models had been adopted by the principal European armies. The firm was still in business in the 1950s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
associated date
1914 - 1918
maker
Deraisme
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82752W58

A Barrack Street at Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts barracks at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I. Two rows of single-story pitch-roofed barrack buildings line the sides of a dirt street with telephone or telegraph wires overhead.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts barracks at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I. Two rows of single-story pitch-roofed barrack buildings line the sides of a dirt street with telephone or telegraph wires overhead.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25918
catalog number
25918
accession number
64592

Behind Montmirail, American Division

Crayon, pastel, and charcoal on white paper. The work depicts a group of troops and wagons moving across a bridge near Montmirail, France.A large tree borders the road, where American and French soldiers ride horses or horse-drawn wagons.Currently not on view
Description
Crayon, pastel, and charcoal on white paper. The work depicts a group of troops and wagons moving across a bridge near Montmirail, France.
A large tree borders the road, where American and French soldiers ride horses or horse-drawn wagons.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25736
catalog number
25736
accession number
64592

Under the Trees at Andilly

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Several soldiers stand at the entrance of a building in the background. The soldiers are framed by trees and two wagons in the foreground. The wagons are camouflaged.Currently not on view
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Several soldiers stand at the entrance of a building in the background. The soldiers are framed by trees and two wagons in the foreground. The wagons are camouflaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26082
catalog number
26082
accession number
64592

On the Bridge at Pont-a-Mousson

Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers march on the bridge over the Moselle River, into the French town of Pont-a-Mousson.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers march on the bridge over the Moselle River, into the French town of Pont-a-Mousson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26023
catalog number
26023
accession number
64592

Boche Snipers Hidden in Shell Potted Ruins

Charcoal and crayon sketch, with touches of graphite, on heavy cream wove paper. Two German soldiers peer out of the window of a shell-torn building. One soldier has a rifle pointed out of the window, through the slats of the shutters.
Description
Charcoal and crayon sketch, with touches of graphite, on heavy cream wove paper. Two German soldiers peer out of the window of a shell-torn building. One soldier has a rifle pointed out of the window, through the slats of the shutters. A sign stenciled on the wall below the window has been partially erased; it reads "NACH FIS..." and has an arrow, pointing right, beneath it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25739
catalog number
25739
accession number
64592

Cross-Roads at Flirey

A charcoal sketch on paper of Flirey, France during World War I. In this busy scene, American soldiers are working at pulling down the wall of a damaged building.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal sketch on paper of Flirey, France during World War I. In this busy scene, American soldiers are working at pulling down the wall of a damaged building.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25975
catalog number
25975
accession number
64592

Hospital at Savenay

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a hospital at Savenay, France. This American hospital occupied several permanent buildings and temporary structures during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a hospital at Savenay, France. This American hospital occupied several permanent buildings and temporary structures during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25995
catalog number
25995
accession number
64592

Barracks at Battalion Headquarters on the Verdun

Ink wash on paper. The work depicts American barracks on the Verdun front in France near the end of World War I. The roofs of the barracks and adjacent dugouts are protected by sand bags.Currently not on view
Description
Ink wash on paper. The work depicts American barracks on the Verdun front in France near the end of World War I. The roofs of the barracks and adjacent dugouts are protected by sand bags.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25808
catalog number
25808
accession number
64592

A. Cronkhite

Oil painting on illustration board. Portrait of two star General A. Cronkhite. Army and Navy Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals Include: Indian Campaign and Spanish Campaign. Cronkhite wears a officers pin on his collar and a Sam Browne Belt.
Description
Oil painting on illustration board. Portrait of two star General A. Cronkhite. Army and Navy Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals Include: Indian Campaign and Spanish Campaign. Cronkhite wears a officers pin on his collar and a Sam Browne Belt. He also has a mustache.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58086M
catalog number
58086M
accession number
203612

The River Front at Saumur

Charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. The sketch shows the buildings that line the waterfront of a city. The river is in the foreground and is bounded by a wall, with steps leading into the water. There are people along the river bank; two of them appear to be fishing.
Description
Charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. The sketch shows the buildings that line the waterfront of a city. The river is in the foreground and is bounded by a wall, with steps leading into the water. There are people along the river bank; two of them appear to be fishing. In the background is a large castle that rises above the town; this is the Château de Saumur. An original label on the drawing read, "A view of the city showing the chateau. The city is interesting as the location of an important American artillery school." On the reverse of the paper is a small sketch of an artillery gun.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26076
catalog number
26076
accession number
64592

Sunday Morning at Cunel

Charcoal and oil (possibly also pastel and watercolor) painting of fighting on a Sunday morning at Cunel in France. Depicted are two American soldiers sheltering behind an embankment in the woods.
Description
Charcoal and oil (possibly also pastel and watercolor) painting of fighting on a Sunday morning at Cunel in France. Depicted are two American soldiers sheltering behind an embankment in the woods. The soldier in the background is wearing a camouflaged helmet and uniform and is lying on his stomach aiming his rifle (probably an M1903 Springfield). The soldier in the foreground is wounded with bloody bandages on his arm. He is lying on his side next to the second soldier. His rifle is lying on the hill to his left. In the distance at right are vague outlines of more soldiers moving through the woods. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25714
catalog number
25714
accession number
64592

Engineers' Mess at Beaumont

A charcoal and pastel drawing on paper of an engineers' mess at Beaumont, France. Depicted is a large group of American soldiers in olive drab uniform holding their mess kits and gathered around the courtyard of a large stone building while they eat.
Description
A charcoal and pastel drawing on paper of an engineers' mess at Beaumont, France. Depicted is a large group of American soldiers in olive drab uniform holding their mess kits and gathered around the courtyard of a large stone building while they eat. A group of soldiers at back is waiting in line to receive food, while soldiers in the foreground are either standing or sitting down to eat after receiving their food. Two soldiers at right are sitting beneath a tree. A billow of smoke can be seen in the background at left, where the food is being cooked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67657M
catalog number
67657M
accession number
229290

General Pershing Entering St. Mihiel

Charcoal sketch with ink wash. The work depicts General Pershing greeting crowds of people in a square in Saint-Mihiel, France. Behind the general is a line of French soldiers, both mounted and on foot, in formation.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch with ink wash. The work depicts General Pershing greeting crowds of people in a square in Saint-Mihiel, France. Behind the general is a line of French soldiers, both mounted and on foot, in formation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
date depicted in sketch
1918-09-13
associated person
War Department
depicted
Pershing, John J.
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25828
catalog number
25828
accession number
64592

The Boche Looter

A charcoal, oil, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a German (or "Boche") soldier looting during World War I. The soldier is wearing a dark green uniform, a steel helmet, and holding a rifle with fixed bayonet.
Description
A charcoal, oil, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a German (or "Boche") soldier looting during World War I. The soldier is wearing a dark green uniform, a steel helmet, and holding a rifle with fixed bayonet. He is dragging a large white bag full of looted items, and is carrying several brass candlsticks and other objects, possibly garments. There is an umbrella lying at his feet. The soldier is walking on a cobbled road next to a stone wall and is looking back over his shoulder at the viewer. Signed at bottom left by the artist, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25716
catalog number
25716
accession number
64592

General Pershing's Desk

Desk used by General John J. Pershing in his war office at General Headquarters in Chaumont, France, during World War I. Oak desk with eight legs. There are three drawers on the left, three drawers on the right, and one small drawer at center, all with metal skeleton key locks.
Description
Desk used by General John J. Pershing in his war office at General Headquarters in Chaumont, France, during World War I. Oak desk with eight legs. There are three drawers on the left, three drawers on the right, and one small drawer at center, all with metal skeleton key locks. Two hidden wooden extensions can be pulled out from the right and left side of the desk to expand the working area.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Pershing, John J.
ID Number
AF.35112
accession number
182935
catalog number
35112

The Church at Fossoy. (On the German Line of Retreat)

Graphite and gouache on paper mounted on heavy white card. The drawing shows a badly damaged church at Fossoy, France. There is a bare tree on the left.Currently not on view
Description
Graphite and gouache on paper mounted on heavy white card. The drawing shows a badly damaged church at Fossoy, France. There is a bare tree on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-26
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25671
catalog number
25671
accession number
64592

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