George Washington may be best known as the nation’s first President, but he earned the trust and admiration of his country through his military service in the Revolutionary War.
Presented here is a small selection of the most notable weapons, accoutrements, and gear that he used over the course of his long and distinguished career — from a colonial militia commander in the 1750s all the way to commander in chief of the American army during the Quasi-War with France in 1798-1799.
1. Braddock Sword
Family history maintains George Washington wore this sword while an aide to Major General Edward Braddock during the French and Indian War. With the primary objective of driving the French out of the Ohio country, the campaign was a military disaster for the British, culminating in Braddock’s defeat at the Battle of Monongahela on July 9, 1755, and his death four days later. Washington never forgot this humiliating and demoralizing rout at the hands of a smaller combined French and Indian force, and it proved to be a turning point in his career.
2. Military Uniform, ca. 1789
Throughout his life, Washington believed that in order to command effectively, an officer must convey character and leadership through appearance as well as action.
None of Washington’s uniforms from the Revolutionary War are known to survive, but this blue and buff wool coat is believed to be part of a suit of regimentals made for President Washington. In his newly-defined role as President, Washington was also commander in chief of the nation’s military forces. In 1794, Washington took the field, becoming the first and only president to do so, in the short campaign to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania. Washington also occasionally wore his military uniform when sitting for portraits during this period.
3. Flintlock Pistols
Washington’s correspondence includes dozens of references to pistols purchased, lost, captured, and received as gifts. This brace of pistols, made in London ca. 1780, may have been captured during the Revolution or acquired after the War.
4. Braddock Pistol
Washington’s highly prized this English pistol, one of a pair originally given to him by General Braddock in 1755.
5. Spyglass
Washington depended on spyglasses or telescopes to monitor British and American troop movements during the Revolution. In his will, Washington identified this handsome, three-draw, mahogany and brass spyglass as one “which constituted part of my equipage during the late War.”
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