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: Philadelphia

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist edge. 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 2nd Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red border at the hoist edge. 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 2nd Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using white cotton thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250U
catalog number
25250U
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 5th Army Corps

Physical Description:Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Blue field with two diagonal white stripes, or bends, that extend from either end of the hoist to the end of each tail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. Surmounting the stripes is a red number "5".
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Blue field with two diagonal white stripes, or bends, that extend from either end of the hoist to the end of each tail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. Surmounting the stripes is a red number "5". White cotton canvas hoist. Machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "5 ARMY CORPS Chf. Qtr. Mr. HORSTMANN./PHILADELPHIA."
General Description:
Fifth Army Corps (18 May 1862 - 28 June 1865)
The ensign representing the Fifth Corps, a Maltese Cross, was prescribed by General Joseph Hooker on March 21, 1863. The appearance of the cross on Fifth Corps flags varied.
The "Gallant Fifth" was created in March of 1862 as an element of the Army of the Potomac under General George B. McClellan. Soon afterwards the Department of the Shenandoah was created and the Fifth Corps transferred to it. By May 1862, the Fifth Corps of the Potomac was recreated; it remained in existence until June 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
maker
William H. Horstmann & Sons
ID Number
AF.25266A
catalog number
25266A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps

Physical Description:Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with faded yellow fringe around all sides except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue cotton arrow applique; the arrow is horizontal and points toward the fly.
Description
Physical Description:
Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with faded yellow fringe around all sides except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue cotton arrow applique; the arrow is horizontal and points toward the fly. There are reinforcement squares of fabric at both hoist corners. White cotton canvas hoist with a metal grommet at each end. The inscription on the hoist reads "17 ARMY/CORPS 3RD DIVISION." The flag panels and reinforcements are machine-stitched. The hoist is hand-stitched using overcast stitch. The applique and fringe are hand-stitched using running stitches.
General Description:
Seventeenth Army Corps (18 December 1862 - 1 August 1865)
The Seventeenth Army Corps flags, authorized in late April, 1865, bears the arrow badge emblem adopted by the corps the previous month. The arrow was chosen because it denotes, "its undeviating course in the march, the swiftness of its attack, it's surety of striking where wanted, and its destructive powers when propelled properly against the enemy." (Myhall, Fig BB)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
maker
William H. Horstmann & Sons
ID Number
AF.25276D
catalog number
25276D
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd 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 a black cotton number "2" applique. White cotton 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 a black cotton number "2" applique. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div 2nd Brig 19 Army Corps Prior to 1863." The flag is machine-stitched with white cotton thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
design date
before 1863
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25249L
catalog number
25249L
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with a white cotton number "24" applique. The "4" of the applique is backwards. Two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, run the hoist to the end of each tail, crossing where the swallowtail forks. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with a white cotton number "24" applique. The "4" of the applique is backwards. Two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, run the hoist to the end of each tail, crossing where the swallowtail forks. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N. 9th Phila 24 Army Corps Chief Q.M." The flag is machine-stitched with white cotton thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254C
catalog number
25254C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 20th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with a white border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a green five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "4th Div 2nd Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R.C.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with a white border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is a green five-point star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "4th Div 2nd Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila." 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.25250GG
catalog number
25250GG
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with wide red border around all sides except the hoist. Two applique red stars, one on top of the other, next to the hoist. Next to the stars, in the center of the flag, is a red acorn. White cotton hoist.
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with wide red border around all sides except the hoist. Two applique red stars, one on top of the other, next to the hoist. Next to the stars, in the center of the flag, is a red acorn. White cotton hoist. Machine stitching; flat-felled seams. White threads. The inscription on the heading reads "1st Div 2nd Brg 14th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25244R
catalog number
25244R
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st 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 number "1" is painted in white inside each star. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Brg 3rd Div Dept of West V [illegible]."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25286A
catalog number
25286A
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd 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 blue applique of two crossed swords. The number "3" is stenciled on top of the crossed swords in red pigment paint. White cotton hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a wide yellow border around all three sides. In the center of the flag is a blue applique of two crossed swords. The number "3" is stenciled on top of the crossed swords in red pigment paint. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Brg. 4th Div'n Cavalry. Command." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled panel seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25260Q
catalog number
25260Q
accession number
64127

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

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a wide white border around all sides except for 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 white border around all sides except for 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. Flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using white cotton thread. White cotton heading with no grommets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25245N
catalog number
25245N
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red cross bottony in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div. 1st Brg. 18th Army Corps R. C. Toy [illegible]." Machine and hand stitching.Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red cross bottony in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div. 1st Brg. 18th Army Corps R. C. Toy [illegible]." Machine and hand stitching.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25248E
catalog number
25248E
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue five-point star in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div 1st Brg 20 Army Corps Dept.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue five-point star in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div 1st Brg 20 Army Corps Dept. of/Cumberland R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using cotton thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25250BB
catalog number
25250BB
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps

Physical Description:Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a large blue St. Andrew's cross in the center of the flag. Red triangles form the corners of the flag; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White hoist (yellowed) with no grommets.
Description
Physical Description:
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a large blue St. Andrew's cross in the center of the flag. Red triangles form the corners of the flag; the edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. White hoist (yellowed) with no grommets. Inscription on hoist reads "6 ARMY CORPS 3 Div 4 Brig HORSTMANN/PHILADELPHIA".
General Description:
Sixth Army Corps (18 May 1862 - 28 June 1865)
Originally the Greek cross was the corps emblem for the Sixth Army Corps. Early in 1864, the cross was shifted 45 degrees to create the St. Andrews cross in 1864 that was used until the end of the war.
Known as "The Fighting Sixth" and "the most famous corps in the Civil War", the Sixth Army Corps was created on 18 May 1862 and discontinued in June 1865. the Sixth Corps was commanded by Major General John Sedgwick, who was known as "Uncle John" to his men. General Sedgwick was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania. After the war, a member of his staff, Colonel James H. Platt, presented the headquarters flag of the Sixth Army Corps to the Association of Vermont Officers with the following letter:
"This flag should be especially dear and sacred to the old Vermont brigade, as it is the only one that our beloved Sedgwick ever used while he commanded the immortal 6th Corps. It was his headquarters battle flag. Always carried near his person in every action in which he commanded the corps, it will be recognized by every soldier of the Old Brigade at once, and must awaken in their hearts vivid memories of the numerous fields upon which, under its folds, they achieved so much of their imperishable renown. It will recall the noble Sedgwick, who loved them so well and was so well loved in return, who was at once the brave soldier, the able commander, the sincere friend; the best soldier and the noblest man it was ever our good fortune to serve under. It will also recall our brave comrades who sealed their devotion to their country by their heroic deaths upon the field of battle under its folds. I have regarded it as a precious and sacred relic; and, believing I had no right to retain it all to myself, have long contemplated presenting it to this association. I respectfully request my old comrades, through you, to accept it a valuable addition to their store of relics; that they will permit it to grace the hall at their annual reunions, and cherish it as a memento of our beloved Sedgwick and the old Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
maker
William H. Horstmann & Sons
ID Number
AF.25267F
catalog number
25267F
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 2nd Division, 21st Army Corps

Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. In both the red and blue bands next to the hoist edge is a black five-point star applique. White cotton hoist with hand-stitched tabs.
Description
Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal tricolor design is red on top, white in middle, and blue on the bottom. In both the red and blue bands next to the hoist edge is a black five-point star applique. White cotton hoist with hand-stitched tabs. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Div 21st Army Corps." The flag has machine-stitched flat-felled panel seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251F
catalog number
25251F
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 8th Army Corps

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

Designating Flag, 2nd 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 "2" is painted inside each star. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "2nd Brg 3rd Div Dept of. West Va." The flag is machine-stitched.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25286B
catalog number
25286B
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd 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 "3" painted in the center of the star.
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 "3" painted in the center of the star. White cotton hoist with an inscription that reads "3rd Brg 1st Div 21st Army Corps." Flat-felled machine-stitched seams joining red, white, and blue panels; machine-stitched open pole sleeve (hoist) with hand-stitched twill tabs at ends; machine-stitched single (back) and double (front) seams hold cotton star patches to both sides.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25251E
catalog number
25251E
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps

Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with red border on all sides except the hoist. Red acorn in center of field. White cotton hoist. White threads. Machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "1 Div 14th Army Corps R C Toy...[illegible]."Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with red border on all sides except the hoist. Red acorn in center of field. White cotton hoist. White threads. Machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "1 Div 14th Army Corps R C Toy...[illegible]."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25244P
catalog number
25244P
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with yellow fringe on all edges except for the hoist. In the center of the flag are three faded red cotton arrows; two arrows are crossed diagonally and the third arrow horizontally bisects these two.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Blue field with yellow fringe on all edges except for the hoist. In the center of the flag are three faded red cotton arrows; two arrows are crossed diagonally and the third arrow horizontally bisects these two. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "1st Div 3rd Brg 17 Army Corps R C Toy 49 N. 9th Phila." Arrow applique is machine-stitched. Flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25247G
catalog number
25247G
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 18th Army Corps

Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, that run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. In the center of the flag is a white number "18" cotton applique.
Description
Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Red field with two diagonal blue stripes, or bends, that run from one end of the hoist to the opposite swallowtail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. In the center of the flag is a white number "18" cotton applique. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R.C. Toy 49 N 9th Phila 18 Army Corps Chief Q.M." Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using cotton threads.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25248C
catalog number
25248C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red heart applique machine-stitched in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "RC Toy 49 N.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red heart applique machine-stitched in the center of the flag. White canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "RC Toy 49 N. 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 1st Brg 1st Div." The flag is machine-stitched with flat-felled seams using with thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25254E
catalog number
25254E
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, Separate Brigade, Department of West Virginia

Wool bunting pennant flag. Dark green field with a white border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is an eagle in flight, facing the hoist, with two olive branches and three arrows in its claws. The eagle is stenciled in white paint. White hoist with no grommets.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. Dark green field with a white border at the hoist edge. In the center of the flag is an eagle in flight, facing the hoist, with two olive branches and three arrows in its claws. The eagle is stenciled in white paint. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "Separate Brg Dept. of. West Va."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25261C
catalog number
25261C
accession number
64127

Designating Flag, 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, 16th Army Corps

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red pie-shaped triangles formed by each corner. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. In the center of the flag is a blue cross in the shape of a circle.
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with red pie-shaped triangles formed by each corner. The edges of the triangles facing the center of the flag are convex. In the center of the flag is a blue cross in the shape of a circle. 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 4th 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.25246R
catalog number
25246R
accession number
64127

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

Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red 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 1st Div".Currently not on view
Description
Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a red 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 1st Div".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1897
maker
Robert C. Toy
ID Number
AF.25252E
catalog number
25252E
accession number
64127

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