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Tokens of Service

Collecting Military Memorabilia

Remembering and honoring the many who have served our country fills numerous museums, is written
on monuments, and is in the hearts of all who have served and their families. Militaria is the field of

collecting that helps everyone learn about and keep a promise to members of our military. Collectors range
from those who have family who served to others who are life-long learners about the tools, uniforms,
medals, images, grave markers, correspondence, and more that have made their mark on history.
Through these tokens, everyone can appreciate and honor the duties and sacrifices of those who have
served and help to preserve their history.
by Judy Gonyeau, managing editor

The United States Army

s the founding branch of the U.S. Military, the Army is the land service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Founding members
were in what was then called the Continental Army, formed on June 14, 1775, just before the U.S. formed as a country. It was not until
Aafter the Revolutionary War that Congress created the U.S. Army on June 3, 1784. Because it is believed that it was truly a
continuation of the Continental Army, the Army considers its starting date to be 1775. Today, the U.S. Army remains the largest military branch.

Above, L-R: Photography
Black Civil War Military Photo, located at Fort Lincoln, Maryland, 1864, company E. In her book The Black Soldiers of the Civil War, Deborah Willis shares
Fourth US Infantry, in Tramp Art Frame (offered at auction by Heartland Artifact Auctions, Inc.)
over 70 photos, letters, journal entries, and posters of those who served in
A drummer photographed by John Ritchie and included in a carte-de-visite album of the Union Army at that time. In the introduction, Willis explains,
the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment
(Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture) “Photographs were a luxury; their prevalence shows their importance as

records of family, position, identity, and humanity, as status symbols.”
Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform (Library of Congress, Prints and
Photographs Div.) Highly collectible, photos of black soldiers from this era can be found for

Portrait of Christian Fleetwood (Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Div.) under $100 but increase in value with provenance.
The United States Navy

he origins of the maritime service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, like the Army, stretches back to the American Revolutionary War as
the Continental Navy, but was disbanded after suffering a significant loss of goods and personnel thanks to the actions of the Barbary
Tpirates from Algiers. The U.S. Congress then passed the Naval Act of 1794 and commanded the building of six heavy frigates to form the
first of many fleets that would continue to grow so that today, the Navy has more battle fleet tonnage than any other navy in the world.
Uniforms
From the start, U.S. Naval uniforms set out to be distinctive in style
and in useability. While nothing beats the crisp white uniforms shown in
Hollywood movies, it was not until after the Civil War and during the
World Wars that uniforms were standardized. The distinction between
dress and service uniforms were solidified for working on the job and
socializing. Diverse clothing structures were customized according to
position, especially as the Navy expanded into the air and were active
overseas climates. The classic peacoat, invented by the Dutch Navy in the
1800s, is a look and style that has stood the test of time in the Military
and on the streets of the Fashion District in New York.
Images L-R: Movie still from On The Town; The classic peacoat; “Cracker Jack”
WWII Navy Uniform selling on eBay with the sailor’s photo and address book for $154
26 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles