Military
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.
4,917
Page 3 of 246
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Herringbone Twill; Model 1943
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1943 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0163
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0163
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Gas Mask
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- after 1907
- ID Number
- 1986.3048.1733
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3048
- catalog number
- 1986.3048.1733
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Springfield Armory Model 1817 Pistol
- Description
- History:
- Because of the “1818” stamps on the lockplate and barrel, this pistol has been inaccurately called the Model 1818 Springfield Pistol. It actually originated in 1807 at Secretary of War Henry Dearborn's request for the mass production of pistols at the Springfield Armory. Three months later, Springfield Armory produced 300 locks, 400 barrels and one sample pistol for Dearborn. While Dearborn thought “the pistol [was] a good piece of work, the [.69] caliber [was] too large” (Smith, 278) and production ceased on the project.
- The locks and barrels were primarily untouched until 1817 when the Superintendent of the Springfield Armory at the time, Lieutenant Colonel Roswell Lee, wrote to the Ordnance Office in Washington because he believed “it would be a saving to make [these locks and barrels] work into pistols” (Smith, 278). After receiving approval, Lee ordered the production for this particular pistol and many other U.S. Model 1807 pistols.
- References:
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760 – 1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 279.
- Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1818
- maker
- Springfield Armory
- ID Number
- 1982.0785.12
- accession number
- 1982.0785
- catalog number
- 1982.0785.12
- collector/donor number
- P39D
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Coat worn by Jamie Farr in the role of Maxwell Klinger on the television series M*A*S*H
- Location
- Currently not on view
- wearer
- Grable, Betty
- Farr, Jamie
- ID Number
- 1983.0095.014
- accession number
- 1983.0095
- catalog number
- 1983.0095.014
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Model 1814 Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .69 caliber U.S. smoothbore flintlock pistol was made by O & E. Evans of Evansburg under contract to Pennsylvania during the War of 1812. It has a walnut half stock with a wide brass barrel band and spring, brass mountings including a brass flashpan, a double necked reinforced hammer, and an iron ramrod with a button tip.
- The lockplate is stamped “EVANS. The barrel has a sunken “P” stamp and has “PM FS 1814” on the underside.
- History:
- Edward Evans worked with Owen Evans in 1798 to produce Charleville Muskets for Purveyor of Public Supplies, Tench Coxe. They continued to work together till Owen’s death in 1812. Edward carried on the business filling the contract on August 14, 1815. He produced this type of pistol for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for use during the War of 1812.
- The pattern for this pistol was the French Year XIII (1805) Cavalry Pistol. This particular pistol was purchased in 1933 from Joe Kindig and the Harmen Collection by Edwin Bitter.
- References:
- Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition
- Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 61.
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 294.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1814
- maker
- O. & E. Evans
- ID Number
- 1987.0014.14
- accession number
- 1987.0014
- catalog number
- 1987.0014.14
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Plate 63. Breaking Camp
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- Here is represented the deserted quarters of Gen. Sharp, Chief of the Secret Service of the Army of the Potomac, at Brandy Station, Virginia. The tents have been removed, and the sketch depicts the scene when the camping ground, which had been occupied by headquarters during the winter, is being abandoned for the spring campaign. In the back-ground are the stalls for the staff horses, and the stockade or "bull pen" for prisoners arrested by the Provost Marshal General. The photograph possesses interest only as an illustration of the mode of life of the army in winter. No sooner is it known in camp that the quarters are likely to be permanent, than every man commences the erection of substantial quarters, which, in the winter season are made as comfortable as any village. Floors are laid in the tents, log huts are built, and their inner walls neatly covered with illustrated papers, and chimneys with capacious fire-places erected, rendering the winter home of the soldier, if not desirable, at least a very pleasant residence. Storms and frost are unheeded, and the long evenings pass in mirth, with no care for to-morrow's hardship or future perils.
- What sad reflections crowd upon the mind in visiting these relics of the past! All through the South in many a lonely waste such columns stand as mournful monuments of forgotten joys and aspirations; sealed volumes, whose unwritten lore none can interpret save those who made the record. Fragments of a sorrowful era, and witnesses of events which the world may pray shall never be re-enacted, the visitor beside each wreck will ask:
- "Why standest thou, lone mark?
- Gray ruins, mist and mould
- Are dripping where thy spark
- Glimmered in the times of old.
- Within thy bosom now
- The snake hath made his home:
- The owl, from 'neath thy brow
- Hoots [sic] in nightly gloom."
- "The chirping cricket's song has ceased,
- The silent spider spreads his feast;
- Here did thy winter welcome shine,
- Where darkly creeps the poison vine.
- So hopes too bright forsake the breast,
- And canker comes a constant guest.
- Old fragment! perish with thy lore,
- Nor longer memory implore."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1864-05
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.13
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.13
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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New England Holster Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .51 caliber smoothbore flintlock holster pistol was made in New England around 1815. It has brass furniture including a brass barrel. It is pin fastened with a Ketland lock. The lock has floral engraving and a gooseneck hammer. It is a “sleigh” design lockplate. The iron tang has a spear point filial. The stock is cherry wood with a beaver tail carving around the tang and brass nose cap.
- It is stamped “KETLAND” and “L” on the inside of the lockplate.
- History:
- It is impossible to identify a maker. The engravings and bluing were used by lockmakers in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, these engravings also can be found on some American pistols.
- References:
- Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 250.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1815
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 1987.0014.20
- accession number
- 1987.0014
- catalog number
- 1987.0014.20
- collector/donor number
- P-141
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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cartridge box
- associated date
- 1861 - 1865
- ID Number
- 1980.0399.0138
- catalog number
- 1980.0399.0138
- accession number
- 1980.0399
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Herringbone Twill; Model 1943
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1943 -
- ID Number
- 1978.0971.05
- accession number
- 1978.0971
- catalog number
- 1978.0971.05
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Grenadier
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1978.2215.01
- accession number
- 1978.2215
- catalog number
- 1978.2215.01
- 84817M
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Model 1910 Entrenching Tool
- Description
- Physical Description
- Wooden handle attached at a right angle to a wooden shaft with a metal, concave, pointed plate.
- General History
- The Model 1910 entrenching tool or shovel was carried on the soldier's back under the meat can and cover and on top of the haversack and pack carrier. Initially called a "shovel," it was soon officially designated an "entrenching tool," which was shortened to "e-tool."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1978.0853.04
- accession number
- 1978.0853
- catalog number
- 1978.0853.04
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Model 1808 Navy Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .64 caliber smoothbore, flintlock Mode 1808 pistol was made by Simeon North. It was standard production for the U.S. Navy. This pistol is pin fastened with a full walnut stock and hickory ramrod with a swelled tip. It has brass mountings including a brass flashpan with fence lock. An iron backstrap extends from tang to butt cap. An iron belt hook is attached to the sideplate.
- On the lockplate is an “eagle over U.STATES” stamp under the flashpan and a “S. NORTH/BERLIN/CON.” Stamp at the rear. Two internal “694” stamps are found both on the left side of the breech plug and in the stock under the backstrap.
- History:
- This type of pistol was created by Simeon North as the standard issue for the U.S. Navy used during the War of 1812. The pistols were manufactured in his first factory in Berlin, Connecticut. 3,000 of these Model 1808 Navy pistols were produced – 2,000 pistols in 1808 and another 1,000 in 1810. The production for these pistols set the standard for American manufacturing.
- It is believed that North paired his pistols like the Harper’s Ferry Armory. In the records for North pistols, there are two pistols that share the same three digit serial number. The stamps are internal and difficult to locate, so this discovery was not made easily.
- References:
- Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
- Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 142.
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 138.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1808
- maker
- North, Simeon
- ID Number
- 1983.0777.07
- accession number
- 1983.0777
- catalog number
- 1983.0777.07
- collector/donor number
- P133L
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver
- Description
- The Model 1851 Navy was Colt’s most popular percussion revolver. Nearly a quarter million of the iconic .36 caliber six-shot model were produced between 1850 and 1873. The term "Navy" refers to the caliber of the revolver, not necessarily the branch of service. The .44 caliber revolvers are called "Army" and .36 caliber revolvers are called "Navy." The 1851 Navy was used by a number of famous soldiers and lawmen as well as infamous outlaws in American history.
- date made
- 1861
- licensee
- Colt, Samuel
- maker
- Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1980.0399.0696
- accession number
- 1980.0399
- serial number
- 103554
- catalog number
- 1980.0399.0696
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Plate 76. A Fancy Group - Scene in Front of Petersburg
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- The monotony of camp life was relieved by every variety of amusement that was known, or could be devised. During the periods of inactivity, base ball, cricket, gymnastics, foot races, &c., were indulged in to a great extent, and on holidays horse races, foot races, and other games were allowed. Sometimes the men would put up a greased pole, with a prize on the top, for anyone who succeeded in climbing up to it, and not unfrequently a pig would be turned loose with a shaved and greased tail, for the men to catch. Any grip but a "tail hold" was illegitimate, but he who seized and held the pig by this appendage, carried it off in triumph to his mess.
- Cock fighting, however, was quite unusual, and seldom permitted, except when some of the contrabands incited their captured Shanghais, or more ignoble fowls, to combat. Such displays were always ludicrous, and were generally exhibited for the amusement of the mess for whom the feathered bipeds were intended. Horses and mules perished by hundreds from ill-usage, but with thin exception it would be exceedingly difficult to cite an instance of cruelty to animals in the army. Fowls, dogs, kittens, and even wild animals, were made pets of, and were cared for most tenderly. Sometimes a regiment would adopt a dog, and woe to the individual who ventured to maltreat it. Several of the Western regiments carried pet bears with them, and one regiment was accompanied by a tame eagle in all its campaigns.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1864-08
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.26
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.26
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Short Musket, East India Company
- Description
- This short musket was manufactured by Griffin and Tow in 1779 for the British East India Company. Started in 1600, the publicly-owned firm traded with the East Indies, China and India until the late 19th century. EIC merchant vessels were prime targets for American privateers, because of the large and valuable cargoes they transported worldwide.
- This musket is an 80-cal. Brown Bess flintlock, with a short 39-in. barrel instead of the standard 46- or 42-in. barrels. Bearing the East India Company emblem, it was a perfect short-range firearm for a fighting privateer. Guns fired at close quarters, like on the decks of an enemy vessel, did not require the accuracy provided by longer barrels. Short-barreled guns also were quicker and easier to point in hand-to-hand combat.
- Date made
- 1779
- associated date
- 1779
- associated institution
- East India Company
- maker
- Griffin & Tow
- ID Number
- 1980.0399.0822
- collector/donor number
- SA049
- catalog number
- 1980.0399.0822
- accession number
- 1980.0399
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Confederate Shoes
- Description
- Physical Description
- Brown leather boots with buckle.
- General History
- Next to the food shortage, the shortage of shoes was one of the most pressing problems for the Confederate Army. The Rebel army was a walking army. Many times they were without shoes but still marched into battle.
- associated date
- 1861 - 1865
- ID Number
- 1980.0399.1600
- accession number
- 1980.0399
- catalog number
- 1980.0399.1600
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Plate 59. Battery A, Fourth U.S. Artillery, Robertson's Brigade
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- This is one of the celebrated horse batteries of the Army of the Potomac. In the batteries designed for cavalry service, every man was mounted, except in action, when the cannoniers necessarily served the guns on foot. The picture represents the four 12-pounder light brass pieces "in battery," with limbers and caissons to the rear, and on the left the battery wagon, forge, ambulance, and wagons for transportation, embracing the entire equipage of a light battery in the field. Beyond, another battery is seen in camp. The horses being hitched in, and limber chests open, would seem to indicate that an inspection is about to be made. Just in the edge of the woods is brigade headquarters.
- When General Pleasanton commanded the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, in 1862, Captain Robertson (now General) was his Chief of Artillery, and was in the van of the forces, in the campaign which terminated at Antietam. The Captain aided materially in driving the rebels out of Frederick City, after a severe artillery fight. Following them closely, he fired the first shot at the battle of South Mountain, keeping the rebels engaged till the arrival of General Burnside's command. Again, at the battle of Antietam, his batteries were busy doing great execution. He was promoted subsequently, and held a command in the reserve artillery, for some time, always with the reputation of being a thorough artillery officer.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.09
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.09
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Relief carving, bird and flower
- Description
- This object was carved from a single piece of wood most likely found from the landscape surrounding the camp or a piece of scrap wood found within it. The carving would have served as a decoration hung on a wall inside the barracks.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1943-1945
- ID Number
- 1986.3144.58
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3144
- catalog number
- 1986.3144.58
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Evening Dress Jacket, Prototype
- Location
- Currently not on view
- user; associated person
- May, Geraldine P.
- ID Number
- 1987.0195.01
- catalog number
- 1987.0195.01
- accession number
- 1987.0195
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Holster Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .65 caliber smoothbore flintlock pistol was made by Asa Waters. It has a brass barrel pinned to a full stock. It is brass mounted with a swollen wooden ramrod. It has decorated furniture, and a grotesque engraving of a face in the buttplate.
- The left side of the barrel is stamped “PRO” / “VED”. “SUTTON” is engraved on the top of the barrel and on the button is “VI”. The lockplate is stamped “WATERS”.
- History:
- Asa Waters was born in Sutton, Mass. He and his brother Andrus bought a factory in Singletary Creek in 1776. After two years in business, Andrus died. Asa continued the company and became known as a musket maker for the Council of Safety. He also served as a Lieutenant in the Lexington Alarm, an auxiliary militia group. In 1782, he moved the factory to Millbury, Mass. and named the company Asa Waters & Co. His company was succeeded by his two sons Asa H. and Elijah in 1814.
- This particular pistol was produced by Asa Waters before his move to Millbury, Mass. It was most likely contracted for use during the Revolutionary War. The design of the pistol is copied from English pistols.
- References:
- Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
- Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 203-204.
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 28.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1776
- maker
- Waters, Asa
- ID Number
- 1988.0518.06
- accession number
- 1988.0518
- catalog number
- 1988.0518.06
- collector/donor number
- P137L
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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