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Pennsylvania National Guard
The Pennsylvania National Guard dates back to 1747 when Ben Franklin created the “Associators” comprised of approximately 600 "gentlemen and merchants" of Philadelphia through the signing of the “Articles of Association” to provide for a common defense against Indian raiders and French privateers. In 1755, the Pennsylvania Assembly passed the first Militia Act, formally authorizing a volunteer militia. Then, in 1775, at the start of the American Revolutionary War, it was The First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry (FTPCC) that escorted General George Washington to New York to take command of the Continental Army. During the War of 1812, Pennsylvania forces again volunteered to defend the nation and the Commonwealth. with more than 14,000 Pennsylvanians actively served.
In the Civil War, after President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to fight for the union, five units from the Pennsylvania Lehigh Valley were quickly assembled and dispatched. Lincoln called them “The First Defenders.
On April 7, 1870, the term “militia” was replaced with the “National Guard of Pennsylvania."
In 1877, thousands of Pennsylvania Guardsman were called up to restore order during the Railroad Strike of 1877 in Pittsburgh. In 1898, the entire Pennsylvania division was mobilized and mustered into federal service at Mount Gretna for the Spanish-American War. Pennsylvania Guard units saw action in Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
In 1916, mobilization of the Commonwealth citizens occurred at Mt. Gretna for service on the Mexican Border. As troops began to come home, their mobilizations continued into the Great War, known today as World War I. The Pennsylvania division, now known as the 28th Division, was called up in the wake of America's entry into World War I. The division took part in six major campaigns in France and Belgium resulting in more than 14,000 battle casualties. With its entry into the war, the American forces helped turn the tide to the Allied victory. The 28th Division’s ferocity in combat earned it the title "Iron Division" from General John “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force.
Pennsylvania Issued Equipment
Generally the majority of early issued equipment was requisitioned through the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps with minor modification is ownership stamps and other fixtures. There were regional contractors who produced materiel for Pennsylvania in addition to Ordnance Corps suppliers.
M1874 Pattern Leather Waist Belt
This was a standard issue waist belt the U.S. Military right through 1900. The Belt plate followed the standard design pattern of the U.S. belt plate normally used on this belt.
M1874 Pattern Leather Waist Belt
Close-up of the fine detail of the cast brass N.G.P. belt plate
M1890 Pattern Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Co.
A standard pattern Mills produced belt fitted with a single row of loops that would have been intended for the 45-70 rifle.
M1890 Pattern Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Co.
The stamped NGP belt plate follows the 1885 U.S. pattern belt plates and is made by special order by the Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Co. under partnership the T.C Orndorff
1874 Pattern Haversack
This canvas haversack would have been acquired through the U.S. Ordnance Depot suppliers, usually Rock Island Arsenal and stamped with N.G.P. ownership.
1874 Pattern Haversack
This pack is identified to Company L, 3rd Regt. N.G.P. This Regiment was formed from the Weccacoe Legion which was expanded in 1879. This unit originated in 1861 from the Weccacoe Volunteer Fore Company and Baxter's Fire Zouaves
M1874 Haversack
This haversack is a standard issued M1874 pattern that was supplied to the National Guard of Pennsylvania. It is clearly marked twice to the 10th Regiment Band.
1874 Pattern Canteen
This early pattern U.S. Canteen is fitted with the very rare linen shoulder strap. These strap did not survive the rigors of field use and were replace with a leather strap using brass hooks. The clear and very bold N.G.P. marking indicated National Guard of Pennsylvania.
McKeever Cartridge Box Third Pattern
The McKeever cartridge box issued to the National Guard of Pennsylvania was made by J.H Wilson Philadelphia. It followed the standard pattern of the U.S Army issued McKeever.
McKeever Cartridge Box Third Pattern
Clear maker marks stamped onto the leather bellows inside the cartridge box.
McKeever Cartridge Box Third Pattern
Faint makers marks on the leather closure tab
McKeever Cartridge Box Third Pattern
Over time these boxes were well used and frequently polished. This example show light use though was issued.
McKeever Cartridge Box Third Pattern
White linen sewn loops on light leather bellow
McKeever Cartridge Box Third Pattern
Slightly more legible maker mark on this example
The Infantry Score Book
A simple score book used to track a soldier's progress in rifle practice. The book contained tips on improving skills in rifle fire practice, as well as different type of targets and pencil notations of scores. The book here is not filled in though came with an 1892 dated envelope with a personal letter.
Record at Rifle Practice
The Pennsylvania National Guard Score Book, dated in teh 1920's
Target Score Page Example
Record at Rifle Practice
Book published in 1921
Envelope came with Score Book
Interesting envelope from the "General Inspector of Rifle Practice" date 1892, as is the letter contained within
Marksmanship Tips
Marksmanship Tips
Marksmanship Tips
Marksmanship Tip
National Guard of Pennsylvania Marksmanship Awards
The National Guard of Pennsylvania was one of many National Guard organizations that promoted rifle and pistol marksmanship. The state allocated funding to award soldiers who excelled in marksmanship in order to further promote the concept. There are a large number of dedicated awards that are illustrated here. There are standardized brooches used with a variety of top bars and clasps added. Many of these medals were numbered and year dated. Unfortunately, records of who received the medals corresponding to the imprinted number on the medal is no longer available.
Virtually all of the medal awarded for shooting proficiency were made by Joseph K. Davison's Sons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company was a prime contracted supplier for a variety of military goods and insignis issued to National Guard troops in the state. The three awards illustrated below feature the makers mark J.K. Davison Phila..
Marksman Badge with 1904-2nd Class Marksman, 1905-1st Class Marksman, 1906 and 1907 Marksman bars.
Clasps marked J.K. Davison, Phila.
This Pistol award was instituted in 1907 and seen on the top bar with a unique stylized NGP. The "4 Years" hanging Keystone indicates years of qualification.
Brooch marked J.K. Davison, Phila.
A 1913 dated Expert Marksman badge built on Maltese Cross design with letters N-G-P and target on four arms. The State Keystone and Coat of Arms in centrally located.
Silver Brooch marked J.K. Davison, Phila. in circular design.
More Shooting awards
A stunning 1898 dated N.G.P. award for 2nd Class Marksman
Sterling silver Marksman award on a Pennsylvania State Keystone emblem, with added "Five Years" clasp.
The brooch on this award is a standard brooch used on other awards. All have added top bars and hang from a small stout chain.
This Pistol award was instituted in 1907 and seen on the top bar with a unique stylized NGP. The "3 Years" hanging Keystone is a interesting addition.
This unique award features a target range scene with soldiers firing rifles. It is a 2 year award as Expert. The Pennsylvania top bar has a pin attachment. Numbered 1051, 1914.
Pennsylvania State Governor John Tener, 1911 to 1915
The rim engraving with 1051 and 1914
The rim engraving with 2542 and 1914
These medals featured the image of then Governor John Tener. In most cases this was considered the obverse side of the medal with the image of a firing range as the reverse. For the sake of these images here I have photographed them in an opposite manner.
This 1 year Marksman medal features the same brooch as the 2 year expert medal. This award is numbered 2642, 1914.
Pennsylvania State Governor John Tener, 1911 to 1915
An interesting Pistol award with PRM on the Brooch. The Pennsylvania top bar and center "First Class-1 Year" bar are consistent with other Pennsylvania Guard awards. It i s numbered 68 with year 1919.
Pennsylvania State Governor William Sproule, 1919 to 1923
Number 68, year 1919
Number 44, year 1919
These medals featured the image of then Governor William Sproule. In most cases this was considered the obverse side of the medal with the image of a firing range as the reverse. For the sake of these images here I have photographed them in an opposite manner.
This award has the PRM at the bottom replacing the NGP as seen on other awards. It is a "1 year Expert" and is number 44 dated 1919
Pennsylvania State Governor William Sproule, 1919 to 1923
A commonly used brooch with the State Keystone and coat of arms and Marksman's Badge on the obverse.
A commonly used brooch stylized NGP on the reverse.
Bars Dated 1887, 1889, 1889
State Governor Edwin Stuart, 1907 to 1911
Rim Dated 1908
Multiple awards for 1908, 1909 and 1910 for 1st Class Marksman and Marksman
Pennsylvania "1 Year, Sharpshooter, with a numbered and dated NGP rifle range style brooch
Rim numbered 1830, 1914 dated
Pennsylvania State Governor William Sproule, 1919 to 1923
Pennsylvania State produced Coat Buttons
Brass button were still being used on the dark blue Dress uniform, while the darkened bronze were used on the olive drab field or service uniforms. All the buttons feature the State Coat of Arms, with the added N.G. to denote National Guard Service.
1900 Brass Pennsylvania State Buttons
1900 Bronze Pennsylvania State Buttons
1902 Bronze Pennsylvania State Buttons
1910 Vegetable Pennsylvania State Buttons
1900 Brass
1900 Bronze
1902 Bronze
1910 Vegetable
Issued N.G.P. Mess Equipment
1874 Pattern Mess Kit
Early tin plated 1874 pattern mess kit
1874 Pattern Mess Kit
NGP marked Mess Kit
1874 Pattern Mess Kit
Tin plated mess kit
Mess Cup
Normally carried in the field and rarely found in good condition
Mess Cup
NGP stamp on the handle of the cup
Mess Cup
All seams were folded and soldered, normally these cups were tin plated
A Simple Knife
Normally carried in the haversack with a fork and spoon. This design used well into the 1900's
A Simple Knife
Clear and heavily struck "N.G.P." mark on the handle
Pennsylvania Documents
Discharge, June 1906, Private Paul Gensemer, Pine Grove Pa.
Private Paul Gensemer, Pine Grove Pa.
Private Paul Gensemer Honorably Discharged by Expiration of term, 18th June 1906. Document dated 18th June 1909.
Private Paul Gensemer, Pine Grove Pa.
Discharge document signed by the Colonel of the N.G.P. and Company G, 4th Inf. Commanding Officer.
Discharge, June 1910, Private Paul Gensemer, Pine Grove Pa.
Private Paul Gensemer, Pine Grove Pa.
Private Paul Gensemer Honorably Discharged by Expiration of Enlistment, 11th June 1910 at Pine Grove, Pa. Document dated 10th July 1913.
Private Paul Gensemer, Pine Grove Pa.
Discharge document signed by the Colonel of the N.G.P. and Company G, 4th Inf. Commanding Officer.
Discharge, October 30th, 1874, Private Benjamin Litzell, Center County, Pa.
Private Benjamin Litzell, Co. A, 5th Division Infantry
Private Benjamin Litzell, Discharged by Time Expiring on 30th October 1874, at Buffalo Run, Pa.. Document dated January 18th, 1875
Private Benjamin Litzell, Co. A, 5th Division Infantry
Discharge document signed by Captain Co. A, 5th Retgt. 5th Div. Inf. N.G.
Promotion, 21st March 1917, Jacob Miller to Corporal
Private Jacob Miller to Corporal
Private Jacob Miller promoted to Corporal, Company C, 18th Infantry National Guard of Pennsylvania, 21st March, 1917.
Private Jacob Miller to Corporal
Promotion approved and signed Commanding Officer 18th Infantry, N.G.P. and Captain, Company C, 18th Infantry, N.G.P..
Pennsylvania National Guard, 1916
Service medal for Mexican Border Service during 1916. Boxed by Manufacturer Joseph K Davison's Sons Ltd, Philadelphia PA.
Pennsylvania National Guard, 1916
Service medal for Mexican Border Service during 1916. Boxed by Manufacturer Joseph K Davison's Sons Ltd, Philadelphia PA.
Pennsylvania National Guard, World War One
Service medal for World War One Service. Boxed by Manufacturer Joseph K Davison's Sons Ltd, Philadelphia PA.
Joseph K. Davison's & Sons
Common manufacturer of Service Medals and Shooting awards
Pennsylvania National Guard, World War One
Service medal for World War One Service. Boxed by Manufacturer Joseph K Davison's Sons Ltd, Philadelphia PA.