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.


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Plate 16. Camp at Cumberland Landing, on the Pamunkey
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Wood & Gibson, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- At Cumberland Landing, one of the most magnificent spectacles ever seen in the army was presented, when the combined forces, massed upon the bank of the river, converted the barren fields, as if by magic, into an immense city of tents. From the hill above Toner's house the scene was truly grand. Division after division, closely compacted, they stretched away, until, in the distance, the white tents were mere specks against the dark frame of woods. On one side the slow Pamunkey, like a mirror, reflected the immense fleet of transports, with their convoy of gunboats. Winding among the tents, long strings of animals were continually passing to drink of its brackish waters. Along the shore piers formed of barges, side by side, were thronged by commissaries and their assistants, while strong arms rapidly discharged the cargoes of meat and bread into the waiting wagons. Prominent in the picture was the camp of General McClellan's headquarters, which had just narrowly escaped capture, through taking, a wrong direction. Another striking object was the park of the pontoon boats drawn through the bottomless roads of the lower peninsula, with so much labor.
- Our picture, interesting as it is, gives but a small portion of the gorgeous whole. The prominent object is a mud-bespattered forge, the knapsacks and blankets of the farriers carelessly thrown on the ground beneath. In the middle-ground are some mules picketed around the wagons, hard-working, much-abused creatures, and so humorous in their antics that they were often termed the comedians of the army. Farther on, a guard, their muskets stacked and knapsacks laying around. Past these, a cook sitting on a mess chest, close to the ashes of his fire, near which are the camp-kettles and a pile of firewood. On the edge of the wood the Fifth New York Volunteers, Warren's Zouaves, have encamped, and in front of them a regiment of infantry are drawn up in column of companies. As these are formed in open order, it is most likely that they are on inspection drill. Such pictures carry one into the very life of camp, and are particularly interesting now that that life has almost passed away.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1862-05
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0334.16
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0334.16
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Plate 27. What Do I Want, John Henry? - scene near Washington
- 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 fatigued by long exercise in the saddle, over bottomless roads, or under the glowing Southern sun, John's master would propound the query, "What do I want, John Henry?" that affectionate creature would at once produce the demijohn of "Commissary," as the only appropriate prescription for the occasion that his untutored nature could suggest.
- A legend was current at headquarters that J. H. had been discovered hanging by his heels to a persimmon tree. It is needless to state that this was a libel, originating in a scurrilous picture of that African, drawn by a special artist. In point of fact, he came into notice at Harrison's Landing, in the summer of 1862. An officer's hat blew off; John raised it, and with a grin (which alarmed the Captain, lest he should be held responsible if the head should fall off), politely handed it up. The rare intelligence exhibited in this act naturally made a deep impression, and suggested an unusual capacity for the care of boots and other attentions, seldom rendered, although occasionally expected of camp servants. "Would you like to take service with me?" said the Captain. "Yees, sir," answered John. "Then follow me to camp." "I can't keep up, sir." "Catch hold of the horse's tail, then." In short, John Henry was installed body servant to Captain H, quartermaster of headquarters, and took his position as an unmistakable character.
- Although his head resembled an egg, set up at an angle of forty-five degrees, small end on top, yet his moral and intellectual acquirements were by no means common. His appreciation of Bible history was shown on many occasions. For instance, he always considered Moses the most remarkable of quartermasters, in that he crossed the Red Sea without pontoons, and conducted the children of Israel forty years through the desert without a wagon train.
- With wisdom such as this he would enlighten his sable compeers. Meanwhile, the Captain became a Colonel. Richmond was evacuated, and John Henry became a resident of the rebel capital. Here freedom burst upon him in a new light; he formed new associations – principally with the other sex – to raise whose spirits he would appropriate his employer's. As his mind expanded, boots became monotonous, manual labor distasteful, and a dissolution of partnership inevitable. The Colonel went to another scene of duty. John Henry remained, whether owing to inducements offered by the Provisional Government is not yet definitely known.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1862-11
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0334.27
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0334.27
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Violin
- Description
- Physical Description
- Wood with personal carvings.
- Specific History
- At 24 years old, Solomon Conn, a son of a hotel keeper in Minamac, Indiana, enlisted as a private in Company B of the 87th Indiana Infantry on July 26, 1862. He purchased this violin in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 1, 1863. Conn carried the violin while serving, although his family admitted that he never learned to play. Written on the back of the instrument are the names of places where the soldiers of the 87th were either on duty or engaging the enemy. More place names are written along the left and right edges of the sides. Among the more well-known battles the 87th took part in were the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 and Kennesaw Mountain in June 1864. By the end of the war, the 87th Volunteers had lost 283 men, most of them to disease.
- This object stands as a unique memento of the common soldier during the Civil War.
- user
- Conn, Solomon
- ID Number
- 1988.0716.01
- accession number
- 1988.0716
- catalog number
- 1988.0716.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Model 1826 Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1826 Navy pistol was made by Simeon North. It is iron mounted including an iron swivel type ramrod and a long steel belt hook. This pistol has a brass blade front sight and an oval sight near the tang. The brass flashpan has no fence and tilts upward on the lockplate. The pistol finish is browned but is almost completely gone.
- “1828” is stamped at the rear of the lockplate. “U.S./S. North” is stamped under the flash pan. The barrel is stamped “US/ET”. Stamped into the stock by the side plate are the script letters “CJ” in a circle.
- History:
- Simeon North had a 53 year relationship with the U.S. War Department. The contract for the Model 1826 pistols was the last contract North had for martial pistols from the U.S. Government.
- The North Model 1826 Navy Pistol is virtually a smaller version of the Model 1819 with a few slight alterations. It is most readily identifiable from the sharp angle of the grip that is not seen on Model 1819 pistols.
- Most of these pistols were converted to percussion later in the 19th century. Finding this model of pistol as a flintlock 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. 136.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1828
- maker
- North, Simeon
- ID Number
- 1985.0783.09
- accession number
- 1985.0783
- catalog number
- 1985.0783.09
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Announcement of Revision of Forms DSS Form 304A and WRA Form 126 (Re: Question 28)
- Description
- Unclear reasoning behind the purpose of these questionnaires and poorly worded questions brought up conflicting feelings. Concerns arose about how to handle a government that both denied rights but asked for military service. Families worried that if members answered differently from each other than the consequences would result in families splitting up and moving to different camps, which was a harsh reality. An announcement circulated around the camps that revised these questionnaires. Clearer language was used to facilitate answering the questions and both English and Japanese translations were distributed for the internees.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1986.3128.03
- nonaccession number
- 1986.3128
- catalog number
- 1986.3128.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Overture; I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
- Description (Brief)
side1: All Soldier Orchestra and Chorus. Overture; side 2: Cpl. Earl Oxford and Soldier Chorus. I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen (Decca 18474), from the album, Irving Berlin's All Soldier Show: This Is the Army (Decca A-340).
78 rpm.This album is for the Broadway musical This Is the Army, with book by James McColl, and music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The musical was produced by the U. S. Army in 1942, and featured a cast of U. S. soldiers, for the benefit of the Army Relief Fund. The revue ran at the Broadway Theatre from July 4, 1942, to September 26, 1942, for 113 performances.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- recording date
- 1942
- composer
- Berlin, Irving
- manufacturer
- Decca
- ID Number
- 1988.0384.02
- accession number
- 1988.0384
- maker number
- 18474
- catalog number
- 1988.0384.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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The Army's Made a Man Out of Me; I'm Getting Tired So I Can Sleep
- Description (Brief)
side1: Staff Sgt. Ezra Stone, Cpl. Phillip Truex, and Pvt. Julie Oshens. The Army's Made a Man Out of Me; side 2: Pvt. Stuart Churchill and Soldier Octet. I'm Getting Tired So I Can Sleep (Decca 18475), from the album, Irving Berlin's All Soldier Show: This Is the Army (Decca A-340).
78 rpmThis album is from the Broadway musical This Is the Army, with book by James McColl, and music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The musical was produced by the U. S. Army in 1942, and featured a cast of U. S. soldiers, for the benefit of the Army Relief Fund. The revue ran at the Broadway Theatre from July 4, 1942, to September 26, 1942, for 113 performances.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- recording date
- 1942
- composer
- Berlin, Irving
- manufacturer
- Decca
- ID Number
- 1988.0384.03
- accession number
- 1988.0384
- maker number
- 18475
- catalog number
- 1988.0384.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Jumper, Dungaree; Model 1940
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1940 -
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0179
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0179
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Plate 87. Dutch Gap Canal, James River
- Description
- Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
- The Dutch Gap Canal was cut across a narrow neck of land on the James River, eight miles in a direct line from Richmond. The object of this work was to save about seven miles of river navigation, by uniting two different points of the river, which here made a great bend flowing around a bluff, and forming an isthmus of only five hundred feet wide. The work of excavation commenced on the 9th of August, 1864. The rebels opened their formidable batteries on the laborers, on the 13th, and with few intervals maintained a fire from mortars and rifled guns until the conclusion of the enterprise. The regiments employed on the work were the 116th and 169th New York volunteers, and the 4th, 6th, 10th, 36th, 38th, and 100th United States colored regiments. From the commencement of the work, the labors of these troops averaged one hundred and twenty men for a period of ten hours each day, working eighteen days in August, twenty-five days in September, and twenty-six days in October. From the first of November until the time of completion, the average consisted of one hundred and thirty men, working eleven and a half hours each day. On the 8th of December the middle dam or partition holding back the water from the portion excavated by manual labor, and the use of carts, was blown out, five hundred pounds of powder being used. At this time fifteen feet of water was admitted into the entire Canal, except that portion at the upper end, comprising about fifty feet, remaining to be excavated.
- On the night of the 30th of December the mines were laid under the bulkhead, which divided the water in the Canal from the river above, and on the afternoon of the 1st of January were exploded in the presence of Major General Butler and Staff, General Ludlow, who had charge of the work, General Collis, and Senator Clarks, of New Hampshire. The chief correspondent of the New York Herald, who also witnessed the affair, says in his account: "The result of the explosion was hardly what was expected of it. The mass of dirt was heaved up by the powder, but fell back substantially in the same position. A crater was formed, into which the water ran slowly from the Canal below. This extended about two thirds of the distance from the head of the water in the Canal to the edge of the water in the James. No connection between the Canal and the River was established." Since that time, however, the Canal has been opened, and a few vessels of light draught have ventured to run through. The entire length of the Canal is five hundred and twenty-two feet, and the greatest width at the top of the excavation one hundred and twenty-two feet. The bed of the Canal is sixty feet wide and at high water sixteen feet deep, except at the upper end, where it is still obstructed to a considerable degree by the dirt which felt back after the explosion.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1865-03
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0283.37
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0283.37
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Army button
- Description (Brief)
- Round collegiate button with black, yellow and gray stripes and "Army" printed in black in the center of the button. There are three ribbons (black, yellow, and white) attached to the bottom of the button and a goldtone metal football hangs from another yellow ribbon. The United States Military Academy has had a football program since 1890 with three National Chamionships (1944, 45, 46) and three Heisman Trophy winners (Doc Blanchard 1945, Glenn Davis 1946 and Pete Dawkins 1958). The Army Black Knights are located in West Point, New York. Army General Douglas MacArthur is attributed with saying, "Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory," in reference to football preparing men for struggles.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1986.0773.145
- accession number
- 1986.0773
- catalog number
- 1986.0773.145
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Jacket, Combat, Winter; Model 1942
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1942 -
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0075
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0075
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Herringbone Twill; Model 1942
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1942 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0157
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0157
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Confederate Army Frock Coat, Model 1861
- Description
- This Confederate Army frock coat would have been worn during the American Civil War. It is a single breasted gray wool frock coat with eight brass State of Virginia buttons down the front. The buttons depict the Virginia state motto of "Sic Semper Tyrannis" around an image of Virtus standing over a defeated Tyranny. The bottom button on the chest is missing, and two buttons are missing on the back waist. There are two locations with missing buttons on the back of the skirt. There are three smaller brass buttons on the right cuff and two on the left cuff. The top button is missing on the left cuff. There are cloth belt loops on each side just above the waist and secured with a small button on the upper end of the loop. There is single breast pocket in the left inside of the coat. The coat is fully lined with padded wool. Sleeves are lined with a polka-dotted fabric. The same fabric is used to make a fabric loop on the inside collar.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- associated dates
- 1861-1865
- ID Number
- 1983.0860.01
- catalog number
- 1983.0860.01
- accession number
- 1983.0860
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Green River Knife
- Description (Brief)
- John Russell began manufacturing tools and cutlery in 1834 and established a new factory on the Green River in Massachusetts in 1836. His knives rivaled the quality of those manufactured in Sheffield, England, and as settlers moved West in the 1840s Russell's Green River knives moved with them. Green River knives were ubiquitous in the early American West, and the phrase "up to Green River" entered the American lexicon meaning something well constructed or very well done.
- date made
- 1855-1860
- maker
- John Russell Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1988.0129.01
- catalog number
- 1988.0129.01
- accession number
- 1988.0129
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Model 1943
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1944
- used date
- 1943 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- maker
- Sigmund Eisner Co.
- ID Number
- 1985.0611.0077
- catalog number
- 1985.0611.0077
- accession number
- 1985.0611
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Plate 34. Group of Confederate Prisoners, Fairfax Court-House
- 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.
- These were a batch of rebel cavalrymen, captured in the battle of Aldie, by the troops under Gen. Pleasanton. The majority of them are dressed in the dusty grey jacket and trousers, and drab felt hat usually worn by the rebel cavalry; some, however, show no change from the ordinary clothes of a civilian, being probably recruits or conscripts, although their appearance laid them open to the charge (often made during the war) of being irregulars, out for a day's amusement, with their friends in the cavalry, as one might go off for a day's shooting. The fight in which they were taken, was hotly contested, and took place at the foot of the upper end of the Bull Run range of hills, in Loudoun County, in and around the village of Aldie. The rebels were driven, and our cavalry left masters of the field – not without serious loss to our side, as well as to the enemy – a day or two after, Pleasanton attacked and drove them fifteen miles across the country, to the refuge of the Blue Ridge. Generals Buford and Gregg, ably leading their divisions in the fight.
- The country around Aldie is very charming, very much diversified with hill, wood and valley, fine farms, pretty brooks – with stone bridges – and beyond all, the noble chain of the Blue Ridge, dividing Loudoun from the Shenandoah Valley.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1863-06
- maker
- Gardner, Alexander
- ID Number
- 1986.0711.0334.34
- accession number
- 1986.0711
- catalog number
- 1986.0711.0334.34
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Jacket, Combat, Winter; Model 1942
- Location
- Currently not on view
- used date
- 1942 -
- associated
- Rubin, Edward
- ID Number
- 1986.0813.037
- catalog number
- 1986.0813.37
- accession number
- 1986.0813
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
McCormick Type Ship's Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1799 McCormick-type Ship’s pistol has an unknown maker. The lock was made in Great Britain. It has a pin fastened stock, a gooseneck hammer, a holster pistol type side plate and belt hook.
- This pistol has “KETLAND” in script under the flash pan and “UNITED/STATES” stamped at the rear of the lockplate. It also has a raised “P” and “WNY” stamps. On the top of the barrel “US” and “MARSH” are stamped. On the left of the stock are the stamps “M.A.” and “V”.
- History:
- This pistol is a McCormick type. Robert McCormick was an Irishman who came to America and leased the Globe Mills in 1798 to produce firearms. He was contracted by the U.S. government for Muskets that same year. In 1799, he had another contract, but did not finish it because he was thrown in debtor’s prison in 1801. That contract was finished by an employee named James Haslett – who would move on to run the Virginia Manufactory. It is possible this particular pistol was made by McCormick because it is the same type that McCormick was producing.
- 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. 122.
- Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 100.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1800
- maker
- Ketland & Co.
- ID Number
- 1987.0014.07
- catalog number
- 1987.0014.07
- accession number
- 1987.0014
- collector/donor number
- P104L
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Model 1805 Rifled Flintlock Pistol
- Description
- Physical Description:
- This .54 caliber rifled flintlock Model 1805/1807 Pistol was made by Harper’s Ferry. It has a round barrel with a supporting iron rib, a wooden ramrod with swelled tip, brass mountings and an iron flashpan.
- It is rifled with eight grooves – unlike the Harpers Ferry Model 1803 rifle with seven. The lockplate is stamped “SPRING/FIELD/1807” and “US” under an eagle. The barrel is stamped “1818” and “US”.
- History:
- Harper’s Ferry was named after Robert Harper – a mill owner – who purchased the land from Lord Fairfax in 1798. This land was personally inspected and chosen by General George Washington as the site for an armory. An Act of Congress on April 2, 1794 established the Harper’s Ferry armory in Virginia. This gun manufactory created many pistols and firearms for government use between 1796 and 1861. On April 18, 1861 however, 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.
- A .54 caliber smoothbore Harpers Ferry Model 1805 pistol was common. A rifled one is incredibly rare. The only other known rifled Model 1805 pistol is found in the Jefferson County Museum in Charlestown, West Virginia.
- 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. 185.
- 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
- ca 1808
- maker
- Harpers Ferry Armory
- ID Number
- 1987.0014.34
- accession number
- 1987.0014
- catalog number
- 1987.0014.34
- serial number
- 1818
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Model 1944; Pinks
- Location
- Currently not on view
- associated date
- 1944
- ID Number
- 1985.0659.02
- catalog number
- 1985.0659.02
- accession number
- 1985.0659
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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