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 6 of 246
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Mobilization For Justice and Peace in Central America.....
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1987
- agent
- Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador
- ID Number
- 1987.0383.08.a
- catalog number
- 1987.0383.08.a
- accession number
- 1987.0383
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Model 1952
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1952 -
- ID Number
- 1982.0642.22
- designer number
- OLIVE GREEN 107
- catalog number
- 1982.0642.22
- accession number
- 1982.0642
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Yeoman (F) Uniform
- Description
- Physical Description
- "Norfolk"-style jacket of navy blue with gold buttons and navy A-line cloth skirt. Wide-brimmed, flat-crowned, "sailor"-style hat of navy blue felt.
- Specific History
- Donated by Gertrude French Howalt, who is believed to have worn the uniform while serving as a yeoman in World War I.
- General History
- In 1917 as the United States prepared for World War I, the navy faced a crisis: skilled clerks and secretaries were desperately needed, but men didn't possess these skills in the numbers required. Secretary of the navy Josephus Daniels asked his staff "Is there any law that says a yeoman must be a man?" The Naval Reserve Act of 1916 did not specify gender for members of the Naval Coast Defense Reserve, and the navy began enlisting women in March. While most women were in secretarial or clerical jobs, other skills needed included telegrapher, draftsman, translator, mess attendant, ship camouflage designer, and recruiting agent. The women were only permitted to serve at shore stations, but confusion occurred when some of the women were given orders for sea duty. To avoid this error the navy added the suffix (F) for female after yeoman to make it easier to separate the women from the men. The work done by about 11,000 women in the navy was highly regarded, but all women were discharged by July 1919 as the navy returned to peacetime activities. To compensate for the sudden loss of administrative talent, the navy got special permission to expedite hiring of some women veterans through the Civil Service. The navy nurses, who were employed as civilians with the navy, continued to serve during the period between the two world wars. Women were not "in" the navy again until World War II.
- wearer
- Howalt, Gertrude S. French
- ID Number
- 1983.0159.03
- accession number
- 1983.0159
- catalog number
- 1983.0159.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Model 1943
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1943
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0731
- designer number
- 20
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0731
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Plate 77. Army Forge Scene
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day. The trees in the distance are dimly seen through the tremulous air, and the pine twigs droop from the eaves of the but as if a fire had scorched them. The hoofs of the horse are buried in burning dust, and the boots of the men are loaded with powdered earth. By the tall pine in the back-ground, a little tent seems to be vainly seeking the shadow, while over all glares a hot sky, without a cloud to relieve the weary eyes. The parched ground and arid appearance of the landscape was characteristic of the country about Petersburg, where the constant movements of troops crushed out vegetation. Forests, houses, and fences were swept away, and the fields were transformed into vast commons, where the winds raised clouds of sand, and covered everything with the sacred soil. On these glaring deserts, with no covering but the shelter tent and withered brush, the army toiled and fought through many months, filling the valleys with graves, and sapping the vigor of men in the prime of life. Many are the dead that might now be living but for the poison of those torrid days, and all through the land are feeble veterans, who look back upon that campaign as does the pilgrim on his journeyings across the great Sahara.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1864-08
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.27
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.27
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Plate 88. Ruins of Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, Across the James
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- When Jefferson Davis directed the evacuation of Richmond, he left instructions with Breckinridge and Ewell to burn the Confederate supplies and munitions of war. Davis left on Sunday night, and on the following morning, after they had crossed the river, this bridge was fired. The structure was built of wood, and rested on sixteen large stone piers. It had two passage-ways, one along the top for the cars, and one beneath the railroad track, for carriages. This view was taken from the Richmond side of the river, where are the ruins of a large paper mill.
- In the back ground are seen the heights of Manchester, on which the rebels erected earthworks to defend Richmond when General Butler was making demonstrations from Bermuda Hundreds. The river is shallow at this point, and obstructed by huge boulders, between which are holes where the water is dune deep, rendering the stream unfordable. Belle Isle, where so many Union prisoners were starved and frozen, is about three fourths of a mile above this bridge.
- A new structure has been built on the piers since this photograph was made, and the trains now cross regularly. Many of the ruins along the river side have been removed. Handsome buildings are in progress of erection, and the cities of Richmond and Manchester are resuming their bustle of trade and improvement.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.38
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.38
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Portrait of a young man in naval uniform
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- after 1907
- ID Number
- 1986.3048.1731
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3048
- catalog number
- 1986.3048.1731
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Poster, "Lets Relocate to Illinois
- Description
- This poster, made by Yoshio Makamura, was a school project in camp. "The second semester each student decided on the town in which he wished to resettle, and we set up a community survey of this locality and state. Using a Russell Sage publication, "Your Community" by Joanna Colcord, they sent for materials (writing model letters), did primary and secondary research, and wrote a term paper in college manuscript form summing up their results. At a recent reunion, there was amusement as alumni recounted that they had arrived at their chose resettlement destinations knowing more than the natives."-Eleanor Gerard Sekerak, a Teacher at Topaz
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1943-1945
- maker
- Nakamura, Yoshio
- ID Number
- 1986.3144.39
- catalog number
- 1986.3144.39
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3144
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Model 1826 Navy Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1826 Navy pistol was made by W.L. Evans. It has iron mountings including an iron backstrap from the tang to the buttcap with an iron belt hook. All the iron parts are browned. The barrel bands are secured by springs. It has a swivel type steel ramrod and a brass flash pan.
- This pistol has a very rare stamp on the lock plate. It is stamped “W.L. EVANS/E. BURG” under an eagle head. The military stamps “C /IUSN/P” are on the barrel and the inspector’s mark “CL” is stamped on stock and barrel.
- History:
- In 1825, John Rogers – a gun manufacturer in Valley Forge, Pa – could not get enough money to fund his government contracts, so he went into business with W.L. Evans. They produced these Model 1826 pistols between the years 1830 and 1831.
- This pistol was part of a Navy contract and is nearly identical to a Model 1826 pistol made by Simeon North. It is one of a pair of U.S. Model 1826 pistols made by Evans with an Evansburg, Pa stamp. It was separated from its mate in 1948. Francis Bannerman bought the pair in the 1930s and sold them to a dealer , W. Stokes Kirk. In 1940, Kirk sold them to Dr. S. Traner Buck. When Dr. Buck died, the collection was purchased by the Kimball Arms Company. They sold the pair in 1948 to Henry Stewart and William Locke. Stewart sold his to Dr. James Lucie who sold it to Johnnie Bassett. This pistol was purchased for the Bitter Collection from Locke in 1973.
- 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.
- Houting, Scott. The Evans Family of Valley Forge: The US Model 1816 Flintlock Musket.” Valley Forge Historical National Park
. - Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 318.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1830
- maker
- Evans, W. L.
- ID Number
- 1987.0014.12
- catalog number
- 1987.0014.12
- accession number
- 1987.0014
- collector/donor number
- P111
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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U.S. Model 1805 Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .56 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1805 pistol was made at Harpers Ferry. It is key fastened with a half stock. It has a brass reinforcing band and brass furniture. The round barrel with rib and ramrod ferrule is all iron.
- The barrel is stamped “103” and “US” next to an eagle. The lockplate is stamped “HARPERS/FERRY/1806” and “US” under an eagle.
- History:
- Harper’s Ferry was named after Robert Harper – a mill owner – who purchased the land from Lord Fairfax in 1798. An Act of Congress on April 2, 1794 established the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia. The site was personally inspected and chosen by George Washington. Harpers Ferry produced hundreds of thousands of pistols and firearms for government use between 1796 and 1861. On April 18, 186, Lt. Roger Jones – in charge of Harper’s Ferry at the time – burned the armory for fear of it falling into the hands of the Virginia militia.
- Harper’s Ferry pistols always came in pairs and were often used as models by contractors and other armories in the United States. This particular pistol is very rare. It is stamped 1806. Despite over 300 Model 1805 pistols being manufactured at Harper’s Ferry, only 33 have been recorded to bear the 1806 stamp.
- 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. 84.
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 178.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1806
- associated date
- 1806
- maker
- Harpers Ferry
- ID Number
- 1987.0014.23
- accession number
- 1987.0014
- catalog number
- 1987.0014.23
- collector/donor number
- P115L
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Hall Breech-Loading Flintlock Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .54 caliber smoothbore breech-loading flintlock pistol was made by John. H. Hall. It has a walnut stock, a pin fastened bronze barrel, a bronze breech block, brass mountings, an iron reinforcing band at the end of stock, iron strips along breech block, checkered grips, an acorn filial on the trigger guard, and decorative engravings on the tang and tang screw.
- The breech is stamped “55”.
- History:
- John H. Hall shares a joint patent with William Thornton for the breech loading flintlock rifle on May 21, 1811. This pistol was likely produced after the patent date. Hall was employed by many different armories including Harpers Ferry from 1816 through 1840.
- Because Hall was known for breech loading flintlock rifles, finding a pistol – like this one- that is a breech loader is extremely rare.
- 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. 82.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1810
- maker
- Hall, John H.
- ID Number
- 1988.0518.04
- accession number
- 1988.0518
- catalog number
- 1988.0518.04
- collector/donor number
- P87L
- serial number
- 35
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Confederate Officer's Kepi
- Description
- Physical Description
- Gray wool with leather brim. Gold lace trim.
- Specific History
- This is the type of kepi worn by a Confederate officer. The faded gold quatrefoil and three lines of lace signify that it was worn by a major or colonel.
- General History
- The kepi was similar to the forage cap. It was copied from the French officer's hat. The crown was colored, usually for the branch of service of the wearer. The kepi was shorter than the forage cap, and was not very popular because it did not protect the wearer from the rain or sun.
- ID Number
- 1980.0399.1166
- accession number
- 1980.0399
- catalog number
- 1980.0399.1166
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Herringbone Twill; Model 1938
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1938 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- Rubin, Edward
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0125
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0125
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Plate 52. Residence of Quartermaster Third Army Corps
- Description
- Text and photograph fromGardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- When this picture was made, the Third Corps was yet an independent organization, under the command of Gen. French, whose Chief Quartermaster was Lieut. Col. J. B. Howard. The distinguishing flag of the Colonel's command, which adorns the side of his dwelling, carried the historical diamond of the Corps, in red, white, and blue, with the words "Chief Quartermaster." The adjoining canvased-roofed but was the Colonel's business office, the patched addition in front, warmed by a stove, serving the purpose of an ante-room where orderlies could wait in comfort. In the first but there was a fireplace worthy of a New England mansion house. Oak logs, supported on camp-made fire dogs, gave a cheery blaze, and spread a genial warmth through the apartment. The floor was of plank, and the ceiling of canvass. On the walls, partly covered with hanging blankets of various colors, and partly papered with illustrated weeklies, there hung maps, field glasses, arms, &c. Pine chairs of the simplest pattern, a desk full of pigeon holes, crammed with papers bound with red tape, and an iron safe, completed the list of furniture, The adjoining room was gorgeous with the luxury of a carpet, while a comfortable bed and toilet arrangements gave a homelike air to the apartment. In these quarters the Colonel's wife and little daughter found sufficient attraction to detain them several weeks; and round the blazing hearth, on many a sullen winter night, the ennui of camp were forgotten in pleasant re-unions of the General's staff.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1863-12
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.02
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Model 1912
- Location
- Currently not on view
- associated date
- 1917 - 1918
- used date
- 1912 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0344
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0344
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Audie Murphy's OD Field Jacket
- Description
- Physical Description
- Olive drab (OD) “Eisenhower type” jacket.
- Specific History
- Field jacket used by Second Lieutenant Audie L . Murphy, United States Army.
- General History
- Audie Murphy enlisted in the United States Army at age seventeen to make something of himself. By the end of World War II, Audie Murphy's exploits had earned him every medal his country could give. He was the war's most decorated soldier and a national hero. Four years later, as a struggling actor in Hollywood, he turned his wartime experiences into a best-selling book, To Hell and Back. He later starred in the film version of his book. He died in an 1971 airplane crash in Virginia while on a business trip.
- His list of medals includes:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Silver Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and First Oak Leaf Cluster
- Purple Heart with Second Oak Leaf Cluster
- U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- Distinguished Unit Emblem with First Oak Leaf Cluster
- American Campaign Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns), and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France)
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal
- Combat Infantry Badge
- Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
- Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar
- French Fourragère in Colors of the Croix de Guerre
- French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier
- French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm
- Medal of Liberated France
- Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm
- Location
- Currently not on view
- user
- Murphy, Audie
- ID Number
- 1985.0428.01
- catalog number
- 1985.0428.01
- accession number
- 1985.0428
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Jumper, Dungaree; Model 1940
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1940 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0176
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0176
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Plate 83. Quarters of Men in Fort Sedgwick, Generally Known as Fort Hell
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- This view exhibits the bomb-proof quarters occupied by both officers and men in Fort Sedgwick. Excavations were made in the ground, and covered first with heavy pieces of timber, over which a layer of earth, of several feet in thickness, is thrown, suffcient [sic] to resist the penetration and explosion of any shell that might fall upon them. The interior of these habitations were made as comfortable as possible, according to the taste of the proprietor. Each had its fire-place, and, in the absence of brick and stone, sticks of wood and barrels were used to build the chimneys, being well plastered in the interior by mud to prevent them from taking fire. In many works, regular bomb-proof quarters were constructed. The scene presents a singular and grotesque appearance – to be appreciated it must be seen; no description will prove adequate. Few know the hardships and discomforts through which soldiers have to pass, and still they appear happy and contented. Fort Sedgwick is one of the most advanced points of the United States lines, standing boldly forward, and constantly inviting attack. The work is a very irregular one, and is thrown across the Jerusalem Plank Road, one of the most important thoroughfares leading out of Petersburg. It is a place of very great interest, on account of its exposed and prominent position for so long a period. Scarcely a day passed without witnessing a heavy artillery duel, and each hour of those many long and weary months, as two brave armies lay opposite to each other, could be heard the shrill, sharp report of some leaden messenger of death. It was here, as elsewhere, that only the reckless would dare expose the slightest part of the person even for a second, and well does this noted spot deserve the not very euphonious name to ears polite, as given by the soldiers, of "Fort Hell."
- Nearly opposite to this work is Fort Mahone, known by the men as "Fort Damnation." The distance between the main lines here is about fifteen hundred feet, and between the pickets two hundred, the latter almost as strong as the former. On the morning of the 2d of April, 1865, this ground became consecrated and holy to the memory of the brave soldiers who fell in that glorious assault upon the opposing batteries, and to those who so courageously defended their post of honor – it was strewn with the dead and dying.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1865-05
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.33
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.33
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Leap Frog Exercise
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- after 1907
- ID Number
- 1986.3048.1730
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3048
- catalog number
- 1986.3048.1730
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dog listening to gramophone
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1910s
- ID Number
- 1986.3048.1743
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3048
- catalog number
- 1986.3048.1743
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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