Military - Overview
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.
"Military - Overview" showing 9 items.
Sword Presented to William B. Hazen
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to General William B. Hazen by the Officers of his staff in June 1863
- Description
- West Point graduate William B. Hazen was wounded in action against the Comanche in Texas prior to the Civil War. He fought at Shiloh and Stones River where he was wounded, yet credited with saving the Union Line at “Hell’s Half Acre.” He continued to serve in the Army until his death in 1887.
- The blade of this sword is long, straight, and single-edged. The fuller is broad and shallow. Both sides of the blade are decorated in silver and gold chasing. The silver decorations consist of floral sprays and designs. The gold chasing on the obverse is in the shape of two flags, military trophies, and a shield. The gold chasing on the reverse creates a flag and a classical style helmet. The grip is shark skin with a three wire medley that wraps around the grip 11 times in a spiral. There is a gold backstrap on the grip. The pommel is in the shape of an eagle's head. The knuckle guard is decorated in a casting of floral sprays in the center and laurel leaves on the sides. There is an eagle casting the bears the US shield on the base of the guard. The counterguard is ovular and bowl shaped and is similarly decorated with floral spray castings and laurel leaves. The counterguard terminates in a quillon that is shaped like a lion's head.
- The scabbard bears three gold mounts. Each mount features ornate castings of floral and scroll designs. It is inscribed “Presented to / Gen. W.B. Hazen. / by the Officers of his staff / June 1863 / Shiloh, April 7, 1862, Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.” between the top two mounts on the scabbard's obverse. The scabbard bears two carrying rings, one on the right hand side of the two top mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1863
- referenced
- 1862
- recipient
- Hazen, William Babcock
- maker
- Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
- maker of blade
- Luneschloss, Paul D.
- ID Number
- 1984.0834.27
- catalog number
- 1984.0834.27
- accession number
- 1984.0834
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Twice Captured Presentation Sword
- Description (Brief)
- This sword was first presented to C.W. Bryandt by the 1st New York Cavalry. It was subsequently captured and presented to Lieutenant John S. Mosby by Lieutenant A.E. Richards on March 10th, 1864. The sword was recaptured and presented to Colonel H.S. Gansevoort by the 13th New York Cavalry in September 1864.
- Description
- The blade of this Model 1850 Presentation Sword is long, curved, and single edged. It is decorated on both sides with floral and scroll designs in silver chasing. On the obverse is an eagle holding a banner that reads, "E PLURIBUS UNUM". On the reverse is a "U.S." monogram in place of the eagle. The grip is cylindrical and wrapped with gilt wire 11 times in a spiral. The pommel is shaped like a traditional Model 1850 sword, and scroll designs are featured its edges. The knuckle guard and counterguard are decorated with scroll designs. The quillon curls down to the blade in a scroll design.
- The scabbard has three mounts. The first two are small and thin, and feature casts of oak sprays and acorns and the drag features a scroll design. There are four inscriptions on this scabbard, one on the obverse and three on the reverse. Two of the inscriptions (obverse and left reverse) bear the name of the sword's original owner “Presented by / Co.L. 1st N.Y. Vet. Cav. / as a mark of Esteem / to C.W. Bryandt.” The next, (center reverse), reads "Captured March 10th 1864 / and Presented / by Lt. A.E. Richards / to / Lt. Col. John Singleton Mosby", and the last inscription, (right reverse), reads "Recaptured / Sept 1864 / by the 13TH N.Y. Cavalry / Col. H.S. Gansevoort". There are two carrying rings on the scabbard, one on the right side of the top two mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1864
- captured
- 1864-03-10
- recaptured
- 1864-09
- recipient 2
- Mosby, John Singleton
- recipient 1
- Bryant, C. W.
- recipient 3
- Gansevoort, Henry S.
- maker of hilt
- Hunt & Goodwin
- maker of blade
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*12834
- catalog number
- 12834
- accession number
- 53757
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to John Porter Hatch
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Brigadier General John P. Hatch by Officers of the 5th New York and 1st Vermont Cavalry on October 31st, 1862
- Description
- John Porter Hatch was a West Point graduate and career Army officer. He was in command of a division when he was wounded at the Battle of South Mountain in September, 1862. He received a Medal of Honor for his conduct during the battle. The inscription on this sword indicates it was presented for the same action.
- The blade of this sword is long, slightly curved, and single-edged. The fuller is broad and shallow, and extends about three quarters of the way to the top of the blade. The blade is heavily pitted, especially near the base, but the silver chasing decorations on both sides are still fairly visible. On the reverse, military trophies and a "US" monogram are visible, along with a group of floral sprays. The obverse is similarly decorated without a monogram. The grip of the sword is cylindrical, and is covered in engravings of scroll designs. On the obverse is a medallion with an eagle and a banner reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and on the reverse there is a blank medallion. The pommel of the sword is vase shaped, and covered with laurel leaves and a basic tile pattern. The knuckle guard is a gold metal strip that branches off in two places. These branches form the counterguard, which features the two additional strips of metal connected by scroll and floral castings and a "US" monogram. All of this terminates in a scroll shaped quillon.
- The scabbard is painted and has three mounts. Each mount is gold with a silver medallion in the center. The medallion on the top features an eagle with an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner. The medallion on the second mount features an image of Columbia, and the bottom medallion features an engraving of a classical figure. All of these medallions are surrounded by scroll designs. The inscription on the reverse of the top mount reads “TO / Brigr. Genl. J.P. Hatch, / from / Officers of the 5th New York / and 1st Vermont Cavalry / Oct. 31st 1862.” There are two carrying rings, one on the right side of the top and middle mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1862
- date presented
- 1862-10-31
- recipient
- Hatch, John Porter
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*16027
- catalog number
- 16027
- accession number
- 59476
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to Henry W. Lawton
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Lawton by the Officers and Men of his Regiment [30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry] on March 4, 1865
- Description
- Henry W. Lawton began the Civil War as an enlisted 90-day volunteer. By the war’s end he was a brevet Colonel. Lawton received a Medal of Honor for service in Sherman’s Atlanta campaign.
- This sword was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Lawton by the officers and men of the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The blade is Damascus steel; it is long, slightly curved, and single edged. The fuller is wide and shallow, and extends about two thirds of the way to the tip of the blade. Both sides are decorated in silver and gold chasing. The obverse bears a silver eagle surrounded by a scroll pattern, wearing a US shield and holding an "E PLURIBUS / UNUM" banner in the middle of a large sunburst, all backed in gold chasing. The reverse of the blade features the same design with a "U.S." monogram surrounded by the inscription "For Union / and Liberty." The grip features a silver figure of Nike holding a laurel wreath; she is resting against a piece of gold metal in the shape of a large palm leaf. The knuckle-bow is a brass strip that branches off about half way down the hilt. The strip and branch are adorned in oak leaves and acorns. The branch widens into a large half basket shaped counterguard which is covered in openwork scroll design. This terminates in a quillon in the shape of a dragon's head.
- The scabbard is gilded and bears three silvered mounts. The first mount features a medieval trophy design surrounded by laurel wreath and scroll designs. The reverse bears a "US" monogram with similar surroundings. The middle mount features a US shield held by an eagle standing on a globe with an identical laurel and scroll pattern. The bottom mount, which acts as the drag, features another eagle/ US shield design, as well as an ornate engraving of laurel leaves and scrolls. Between the first and second mount a plate with an engraved inscription to Lawton reads “LIEUT. COL. HENRY W. LAWTON / 30th Ind. Vet. Vol Infty. / Presented by the Officers and Men of his Regiment / as a token of confidence and respect. / March 4th 1865” The plate is surrounded by names of the battles he fought: Shiloh / Corinth / Stone River / Chickamauga / Atlanta / Franklin / Nashville. Between the second and first mount is a plate with castings of oak sprays and acorns. The carrying rings to the scabbard with an acorn shaped ring.
- date made
- 1865
- date presented
- 1865-03-04
- recipient
- Lawton, Henry W.
- maker
- Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*16043 [dup1]
- catalog number
- 16043
- accession number
- 59545
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to James Crall
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Major James Crall by the non-commissioned officers and privates of the 82nd Ohio Regiment
- Description
- James S. Crall was an officer of the 82nd Ohio Infantry Regiment throughout the Civil War. He mustered out with his regiment in July, 1865.
- The blade of this sword is long, slightly curved, and single edged. The fuller extends about two thirds of the way to the tip of the blade, and both sides are decorated in floral designs in silver chasing. The obverse features US arms, a banner reading "E PLURIBUS / UNUM", an eagle, a small etched scene with a field and mountains, and the inscription “MAJOR / JAMES S. CRALL / 182d. REG. / OHIO VOL.” The grip is cylindrical. On the obverse, there is a cast of Columbia holding a sword in her right hand and a US shield in her left. The reverse is decorated with a "US" monogram that is surrounded in scroll and floral designs. The pommel bears oak scrolls on the bottom and is surmounted by an eagle standing on a ball. The knuckle guard is a thin strip of gold metal decorated in oak scrolls. The counterguard is decorated in casting of military trophies, including a US shield and a liberty pole and cap. All of this terminates in a quillon which extends downward toward the blade and bears a scroll pattern.
- The scabbard bears three gold mounts, two of which are decorated with war trophies and the third with a US cavalryman. The reverse of the mounts feature scroll designs. Between the first two mounts is the inscription “PRESENTED TO / Major Games S. Crall / BY THE / NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS / & PRIVATES OF THE 82nd REGT. O.V. IN. / FOR / MERITORIOUS CONDUCT DISPLAYED ON THE / BATTLE FIELDS OF / Manassas Plains, Chancellorsville / & Gettysburg.” There are two carrying rings on this scabbard. They are found on the right side of the top two mounts. The carrying rings are gripped by castings of a hands.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1864
- recipient
- Crall, James S.
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*25460 [dup1]
- catalog number
- 25460
- accession number
- 64204
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to Frank Wheaton
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to General Frank Wheaton by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the 2d Regt R.I. Volunteers on Dec. 13th 1862.
- Description
- Frank (Francis) Wheaton started his military career on the frontier in the 1850s. When the Civil War began he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry. By war’s end he was a brevet Major General in the volunteer Army.
- The blade is long, slightly curved, and double edged. It is decorated with military trophies and floral and scroll designs in gilt and silver chasing. The obverse features an eagle holding an "E PLURIBUS / UNUM" banner, and the reverse bears a "US" monogram. The grip of the nickel plated with a piece of gilded wire that wraps around it in a spiral approximately ten times. The pommel bears the cast of an eagle surrounded by scroll designs on the side. The pommel cap is missing. The knuckle guard is a thin strip of gold metal with floral sprays at the top. There are a number of red jewels on the counterguard. Six of these jewels are found between scrolls, and five of them form a flower between two scrolls. The quillon is shaped like the head of a dragon, and extends down towards the blade.
- The scabbard bears four gold mounts. The first two mounts are almost identical. Both bear two sets of floral sprays in a diamond shape. The top mount features seven red jewels, and the middle mount features six. There is a casting of an anchor between the second mount and the drag. The drag bears a cluster of military trophies and nine red stones. The obverse of the scabbard is inscribed ” Malvern Hill. / BULL RUN. / WILLIAMSBURGH. / Seven Ringes. / ANTIETAM. / FREDRICKSBURGH.” The reverse is inscribed “Presented to / Genl. Frank Wheaton, / by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates / of the 2d Regt R.W. Volunteers. / As a token of Regard and Esteem. while their Colonel/ Dec. 13th 1862.” between the top two mounts. There are two carrying rings on the piece, one on the right side of the top two mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1862
- date presented
- 1862-12-13
- recipient
- Wheaton, Frank
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*34844
- catalog number
- 34844
- accession number
- 84827
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to George Batcheller
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to George Batcheller by the 1st Brigade of Cavalry, New York on April 9th, 1866.
- Description
- George Sherman Batcheller raised a company of New York volunteers at the beginning of the Civil War. By the war’s end he was appointed Inspector General of the Volunteers and National Guard of New York.
- The blade of this sword is slightly curved and single edged. It has a shallow, wide fuller that runs along its length. There are silver decorations on a gold backdrop on both sides of the blade. On the obverse, there are floral sprays and scroll designs. There is an engraving that reads, "One and Inseparable" and on the base of the blade there is an engraving of a canon and three flags. The reverse also has a canon and flag design on the base, and floral sprays. The monogram "US" is engraved in the middle of the decorations, and there is an eagle perched on the top of it. The eagle holds a scroll in its beak reading, "E PLURIBUS / UNUM". The grip of the sword is a figure of Athena slaying a dragon with her sword. The knuckle guard consists of a gold chain and a bust of a cherub, and it terminates in a small quillon in a scroll design. The gold chain attaches at the top of the grip near the goddess’ shoulder and at the bottom on the neck of the cherub. The counterguard is a gold plated ovular shape. The obverse has the initials "GB" cast in the center. The monogram is covered with approximately 24 small diamonds. Scroll designs surround the cast. The reverse of the counterguard is a simple scroll design.
- The scabbard is gold plated and has three gold mounts. The first mount features a medallion with a diamond encrusted star. Under the medallion is an eagle with its wings spread perched atop a shield with a stars and stripes theme. To either side of the medallion are laurel sprays, and on top there are two flags and an axe. Between the mount is the inscription “1st Brigade of Cavalry / to / Genl. G.S. Batcheller / April 9th 1866.” The middle mount features two gold laurel wreaths with a small gold rope tying them together. The drag has a very simple laurel spray design. There are two carrying rings on the mount, one on the right side of the top mount, and the other on the right side of the middle mount.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1866
- associated date
- 1866
- recipient
- Batcheller, George Sherman
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*36873
- catalog number
- 36873
- accession number
- 112477
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword presented to William Allen
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Lieutenant William Allen by the employees of E.T. Sinker & Company
- Description
- William Allen served as a Second Lieutenant in the 132nd Indian Infantry Regiment, one of the 100 Days volunteer regiments organized near the end of the Civil War. The regiment was mustered in May, 1864 and served as Railroad Guard in Tennessee and Alabama. It mustered out in September, 1864. The sword was a gift to Allen from his colleagues at E.T. Sinker & Co., an Indianapolis firm that manufactured steam engines and other machinery.
- This Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword has a long, single-edged, slightly curved blade. The fuller extends about two thirds of the way to the top of the blade, and both sides are decorated in floral designs in a silver chasing. The obverse features an eagle with spread wings holding a banner reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The reverse bears the monogram "US". Both sides of the blade feature a military trophy design that includes a few flags, a liberty pole and cap, and a US shield. The grip is a cylindrical shape and bears a laurel leaf design and is wrapped in a spiral in gilt wire. The pommel features a leaf design on its edge that is similar to the grip. The rest of the pommel is plain. The knuckle guard is a brass strip that branches off twice to form the counterguard, which is a half basket shape. There are floral castings and a "US" monogram in the space between the branches. All of this terminates in a quillon that is shaped like a water drop and is covered in a palm leaf design on the top.
- The scabbard is metal stained brown to look like wood. It bears three gold mounts. All of the mounts feature an engraving of a flower surrounded by a very simple circle design. The throat of the scabbard bears a similar design. The first mount bears the inscription “Presented to / Lient. WmAllen / by / the / Employees / of E.T. SINKER & Co.” The sword features two carrying rings, one on the right side of each of the top two mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1860
- recipient
- Allen, William
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*39758
- catalog number
- 39758
- accession number
- 139429
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sword Presented to Levi Force
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Captain L. Force by his Company
- Description
- Formerly a sergeant in the regular army, Levi Force enlisted as a private in Company ‘C’ of the 179th New York Volunteer Infantry in April, 1864. By August he was promoted to Captain and mustered out with his regiment in June 1865. This sword was presented to him by the men of his Company.
- The blade of this Model 1850 presentation sword is long, curved, and single edged. The fuller is broad and shallow, and extends about two thirds of the way to the tip of the blade. Both sides are decorated with scroll designs in silver chasing. The obverse bears an eagle holding an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner, and the reverse bears a "U.S." monogram. The grip of the sword is cylindrical and has a metal gilt wire that wraps around it in a spiral. The pommel features oak spray castings on the sides and a scroll design on the top. The knuckle guard is a strip of gold metal with floral sprays. The counterguard is half basket shaped and bears an eagle with a US shield and oak and laurel sprays. The knuckle guard terminates in a quillon in the shape of an eagle's head.
- The scabbard has three gold mounts. The top mount bears a casting of Columbia holding a sword and a US shield. The second mount bears military trophies. The third mount features a Union soldier carrying a flag. The reverse of the first mount bears the inscription “Presented to / Capt. L. Force / By his Company”. There are two carrying rings on the scabbard, one on the right side of each of the top two mounts
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1865
- associated person
- Force, Levi
- maker
- W. Clauberg
- ID Number
- AF*41929
- catalog number
- 41929
- accession number
- 149376
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center