Sign out front reflecting the museum's name change.

Founded in 1996, the museum received its largest artifact donation by John J. Piazza, Sr., a local businessman and history buff.  The Armed Forces History Museum is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization with an independent Board of Directors.  AFHM continues to showcase new and exciting artifacts, memorabilia, specialized pieces and vehicles.  The 50,000 sq. ft. of interior and exterior space has continued to grow due, mostly in part, to the generous donations,  (both in-kind and monetary) received from the general public.  The museum also receives additional support through fundraisers, grants, patrons, memberships and sponsors.  AFHM is the largest military museum in the southeast that does not receive government funding.

Along with this name change, the museum has added a temporary gallery which will feature rotating displays every 1-3 months.  There will always be something new to see at the museum.  The first rotating exhibit, which is currently being featured at the Armed Forces History Museum, is that of the American Red Cross (ARC).  Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the ARC is a volunteer lead humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States.  It is the designated U.S. affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 

In the upcoming months, the museum will begin a rotating community case.  This case offers local organizations the unique opportunity to visually tell their story within the museum’s gallery.  The museum is looking forward to reaching out into the community and experiencing their involvement as they become part of this rotating case.  A final announcement was made regarding upcoming special events.  AFHM announced they will also be producing special events which will act as fundraisers.  Funds from these special events will help underwrite community and educational programs.

Information on upcoming rotating exhibits, community cases and special events will be posted here  on our web-site as the information becomes available.  Please visit our site often so you don’t miss out on any of these great opportunities.

This WWII USS Washington Battleship is a necessary purchase for any model enthusiast.  Built by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the USS Washington was first laid down in June, 1938.  Her commission began on May 15, 1941.  In the early part of 1942, this World War II battleship became one of the first American ships to be equipped with fully operational radar.  The USS Washington is the only battleship to be credited with sinking an enemy battleship during World War II while engaged in a “one on one” surface encounter.   Despite several close calls throughout the war, the Washington did not suffer any losses due to hostile action.  As a result of her active role in WWII, the USS Washington earned a total of 13 Battle Stars.  Within two years of the end of the war, however, she would be decommissioned.

Die Cast Models of the USS Washington

Die Cast models are very popular among model enthusiasts.  Die cast not only offers a sturdier model, but also minimizes the time required for assembly.  The materials used and the attention to detail on this type of model make it popular selection among scale model collectors.  The WWII USS Washington battleship should be a part of any die cast battleship collection.

Plastic Models of the USS Washington

Plastic models are another popular choice of purchase among scale model collectors.  These models are available from a number of manufacturers and are generally less expensive.  When selecting a scale model of the USS Washington, be sure to take the skill level of the various designs into consideration.   The level is generally displayed on the outside of the box.  Whether you are just beginning your scale model collection, or you are looking to expand it, this WWII battleship - the USS Washington - should become a part of your collection.

The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has various professionally made, larger scale models of battleships in the U.S. Navy Gallery portion of the museum tour.

Battleship at War The Epic Story of the Uss Washington by Ivan Musicant 1988 PB    US $5.49

USS Washington BB 56 US Naval Battleship Photo Print USN Navy    US $27.50

USS Washington BB 56 US Naval Battleship Photo Print USN Navy    US $34.95

USS Washington BB 56 US Naval Battleship Photo Print USN Navy    US $69.95

USS Washington BB 56 US Naval Battleship Photo Print USN Navy    US $69.95

USS Washington BB 56 US Naval Battleship Photo Print USN Navy    US $89.95

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The WWII USS Oklahoma Battleship is sure to be popular with any scale model enthusiast.  Built by the New york Shipbuilding Corporation, the USS Oklahoma was first laid down in October of 1912.  First commissioned in May of 1916, the USS Oklahoma first served in WWI.  After the war, she spent 1927 to 1929 being updated and modernized.  The USS Oklahoma (BB-37) went on to serve in the Spanish Civil War, where she is remembered for the rescue of American citizens and refugees.

Shortly after that rescue, this battleship returned to the Pacific, where she spent the balance of her service.  During World War II, theUSS Oklahoma was hit by both Japanese bombs and torpedoes as she sat in Pearl Harbor during the infamous December 7, 1941 attack.  A total of 429 of her crew sank along with her.

In 1943, this WWII battleship was up righted though never repaired.  The guns and superstructure were stripped from the USS Oklahoma and sold for scrap.  Four years later, this WWII battleship sank once again as she was being towed to the mainland.

Die Cast Models of the USS Oklahoma (BB-37)

Die cast models are quite popular among scale model collectors.  Die cast offers a sturdier model and also minimizes the time required for assembly.  On this type of model, the materials used and the attention to detail make this type of model a popular choice with collectors.  The USS Oklahoma should be a part of any die cast battleship collection.

Plastic Models of the USS Oklahoma (BB-37)

Some collectors prefer plastic scale models.  Generally, these models are less expensive and are produced by a variety of manufacturers.  When selecting a scale model of the WWII USS Oklahoma, skill level should be taken into consideration.  Manufacturers will generally display this information on the outside of the box.  If you have a scale model collection, or are looking to start one, the USS Oklahoma from WWI and WWII should become part of that collection.

The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has various professionally made, larger scale models of battleships in the U.S. Navy Gallery portion of the museum tour. 

US Navy WW2 Battleship USS Oklahoma Blueprint Plan old style blue 24x35    US $35.00

RPPC U S Battleship U S S Oklahoma c1920    US $19.95

USS OKLAHOMA BB 37 Battleship Pearl Harbor1941 Battle Painting Cacheted Cover    US $6.90

NAVY BATTLESHIP USS OKLAHOMA BB 37 USA MADE HAT CAP    US $33.24

WWI BATTLESHIPS USS ALABAMA USS OKLAHOMA NEVADA    US $14.95

USS OKLAHOMA BB 37 Battleship Pearl Harbor Wood Sign    US $22.99

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The World War I and World War II history of the USS Texas battleship makes the model of this ship a popular choice among collectors.  Built by Newport News Shipbuilding Company, the USS Texas was launched in May of 1912 and commissioned in March of 1914.  In WWI, the USS Texas was not only involved in the “Tampico Incident” in the waters off Mexico, but also made a number of maneuvers in the North Sea.

Her WWII participation began late in 1944 when she was sent to the Pacific Theater,.  Here, the USS Texas provided supporting naval gunfire for both the Battle of Iwo Jima and the battle of Okinawa.  As a result of her involvement throughout the war, the USS Texas gained five battle stars.

The USS Texas was not only the first battleship from the United States to mount anti-aircraft guns, but was also the first battleship to launch an aircraft.

Die Cast Models of the USS Texas (BB-35)

No doubt, die cast models are very popular with scale model collectors.  Die cast not only offers a sturdier model, but also minimizes the time required for assembly.  The materials used and the attention to detail on die cast models are two of the reasons it is popular with collectors.  The USS Texas Battleship makes a nice addition to any die cast battleship collection.

Plastic Models of the USS Texas (BB-35)

Despite the benefits of die cast, some collectors have a preference for plastic models.  These models are generally less expensive and are produced by a number of manufacturers.  When purchasing a plastic model, skill level of each kit should be taken into consideration.  This information is generally noted on the outside of the box.  Whether you already have a scale model collection, or you are looking to start one, this WWI and WWII battleship, the USS Texas, should become part of your collection.

The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has various professionally made, larger scale models of battleships in the U.S. Navy Gallery portion of the museum tour. 

USS BATTLESHIP TEXAS NEAR HOUSTON 1949    US $5.39

U S S TEXAS BATTLESHIP VERY EARLY FANTASTIC M40766    US $18.00

USS Texas 1933 Battleship Naval Cover    US $8.50

USS TEXAS BATTLESHIP Vintage Ceramic Souvenir Mug    US $8.00

USS TEXAS FIRST US NAVY BATTLESHIP 8X10 PHOTO 1898    US $7.19

Navy Battleship USS Texas Brooklyn USA    US $10.99

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The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has various displays of military dog tags throughout the museum.  Dog tags are also available for purchase at the museum’s store or on-line, using the link below.

                                                            Order Dog Tags

Various military items (especially those from World War II), such as camouflage and dog tags, have found their way into the civilian population.  Once introduced to the general public, these items have continued to grow in popularity.  The concept of dog tags dates back to the Civil War.  At that time, some of the soldiers were known to pin notes to their uniforms (generally on the back of their coats) noting their name and address.  Others would make use of their knapsacks or belt buckles to display their personal information.

Identification Evolves

Identification badge manufacturers began to capitalize on this need for identification and took out advertisements in periodicals.  Originally, they designed the pins in a shape that denoted the branch of service.  On the pins themselves, they engraved both the soldier’s name and his unit.  In 1862, the U.S. Army refused a proposal that would provide a uniform disc for the officers and the enlisted of the Federal Army.  This original proposal was rejected; but in 1906, the U.S. Army finally recognized the importance of a uniform identification and authorized an aluminum tag similar to the one proposed in 1862. 

A photo of dog tags with silencers

By July of 1916, the Army began to issue tags to all soldiers so that in the event of their death, one tag could stay with the body and the second tag could be given to the individual put in charge of the burial.  Then, in 1918, when the Army first instituted the use of a serial number system, this number – along with the name of the enlisted and any medical alerts – would now be stamped on the tags.

Silencers

Not until the Vietnam War did the use of silencers come into practice to help disguise the noise made by the two tags.  While some of the soldiers used these silencers, others were known to tape the tags together or wear one around their neck and attach the second to their shoe laces.  During this wartime, it also became popular to use dog tags on make-shift memorials in memory of fallen comrades. 

Eventually, dog tags would transcend the practical military boundaries and find their way into civilian life both as a means of emulating the military use for identification, but also as a personal fashion statement.

At the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL, actual dog tags from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War are on display throughout the museum.  Military-type, civilian dog tags are also available for purchase in the museum store, or on-line, using the link below. 

                                                             Purchase Dog Tags

Introduction

At one time in history, the term dog tag was synonymous strictly with the military with no association to civilians.  While the term dog tag is still primarily associated with the military, it has slowly seeped its way into civilian life, becoming a very popular item for children, band members and individuals who desire to use them for any one of a number of purposes.   

The first resemblance of dog tags came in the form of paper identification tags used by Civil War soldiers who pinned them on the back of their uniform coat.  At the start of WWI, the identification method formally evolved into an aluminum identification tag.  The name dog tag was coined due to the resemblance to a similar identification system used for dogs in Berlin around the same time. 

In the Fashion World

In today’s fashion circle, civilian dog tags are used for a variety of reasons.  Some people continue to use them to inscribe their personal information, while others may wish to have a favorite quote, a specific belief, or even pertinent medical information inscribed.  Children often love to have own a set of dog tags as they enjoy the military feeling associated with them. 

As recent as the late 1990s, dog tags gained popularity among musicians – especially rappers.  The tags are given away by these groups as part of a marketing strategy.  The popularity of military dog tags for civilians has not stopped there.  As their popularity gained momentum, jewelers, such as Tiffany’s or Cartier, have promoted jewel studded gold and silver dog tags. 

Since the first simplistic identification method used in the late 1800s, dog tags have evolved in material and design, as well as the usefulness and practicality in the military.

The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has trench art items on display. These items date back to World War I.

What is War Trench Art?

War trench art is usually described as an item, decorative in nature, crafted by a soldier or prisoner of war using bomb shells, bullet casings and even wood or bone. Trench art is known to have existed as early as the Napoleonic Wars and continues to be popular to present day.

Creation of trench art picked up momentum during World War I and continued into World War II. By this time, the term “trench art” was also used not only to describe the souvenirs crafted by soldiers, but also those produced by military service personnel.

Today, trench art is divided into four categories: Items made by soldiers, items made by POWs and Internees, items made by civilians and items produced commercially. Various trench art items emerged from each group.

SOLDIER’S TRENCH ART

Trench art obtained its name from soldiers who would bide their time in the trenches by creating pieces of art using materials they had available to them – mainly bomb and/or bullet casings. Some soldiers were even known to create a reverse relief in the clay floor of the trench and then filling the relief with lead melted down from shrapnel balls. Smaller items, such as rings, were also made by these soldiers. Wounded soldiers were encouraged to utilize this type of art as part of their therapy when recovering from battle wounds. These soldiers generally created embroidery art and hand crafted items made from wood.

POW/INTERNEE ITEMS

A WWII Prisoner of War Piece of Trench Art

From the very beginning of trench art, the prisoner of war had very good reasons for creating their pieces of art. First, they had a fair amount of idle time which the craft help to occupy. They mainly used their art, however, as a means to secure items such as cigarettes, food and other privileges.

CIVILIAN-MADE ITEMS

The reference to Civilian-made trench art generally refers to art that was created around the conflict zone and also includes items made at home by a loved one. In France, postcards were embroidered, which lead to the popularity of embroidering panels of gauze. These pieces usually included pictures patriotic in nature. Throughout WWII, millions of these postcards were produced. At the end of the war, much of the leftover shell casings and other war debris, were decorated with town crests and sold to the tourists.

COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED TRENCH ART

This term is referred to the mass production of trench art. With a significant amount of leftover materials from the war, this commercially produced trench art served dual purposes:

1) A way to dispose of leftover materials, including bomb casings and pieces wood from ships that were involved in battle would be sold with a notation of the ship’s significance.

2) Commercially produced war trench art became a means of profit.

Today, a wide variety trench art items from each of these categories are still available for purchase. World War II trench art is very popular among collectors.

Trench Art Materialities and Memories of War by Nicholas J Saunders 2003    US $33.20

Trench Art Materialities and Memories of War by Nicholas J Saunders 2003    US $9.65

Trench Art Materialities and Memories of War NEW    US $38.66

Trench Art Materialities and Memories of War by Nicholas J Saunders 2003    US $132.69

Trench Art Materialities and Memories of War Nicholas J Saunders    US $46.47

Trench Art Materialities and Memories of War Saunders Nicholas J    US $142.18

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The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has several pieces of trench art dating as far back as World War I.  The art is displayed throughout the museum in areas that are reflective of the time period of the piece itself. 

The term trench art is generally used to refer to items – many which come from World War II - that were handmade by military soldiers and Prisoners of War, their families and even civilians.  The art is generally made from wood, metal, cloth or bone.  Quite a number of trench art items can still be found for purchase depending on the material and the time frame searched. 

Creations from Soldiers and Prisoners of War

While the history of trench art can be traced back to Napoleonic prisoners of war, the concept gained increased exposure during World War I.  During this time frame (1914-1919), soldiers used various mediums of art, including chalk, wood and bone.  Some war soldiers used art as a form of therapy as they recuperated from their wounds.  Prisoners of war also contributed to the history of trench art, often biding their time and trading their finished product for cigarettes and other luxuries.

From this group of trench art creators, cigarette lighters, matchbox covers and letter openers (sometimes inscribed) would be handcrafted using bullets and scrap metal.  Artillery shell cases were often intricately decorated for display purposes and bullet cartridge cases would be used to create finger rings.  Tobacco boxes and cigarette cases were also a popular trench art item, often being made using wood and metal.  These were not the only articles used in trench art though.  Postcards, handkerchiefs and other decorative and beaded items – also considered trench art - were embroidered often by recuperating soldiers.

Civilian Trench Art Creations

Work done by civilians is another example of trench art.  This art was made during the war(s) and post war(s) as well.  Post-war depressed economies, along with an overabundant supply of war material scattered about and left behind, made for a lucrative business, especially in metal trench art. 

Items created in this category would include brass shell casings that would be more intricately shaped and engraved and would often include the name of a town or region, along with a date and inscription that would tag the item as a Souvenir of the Great War.  Ashtrays would also emerge either made from - or sometimes decorated with - various shell cases and bullets.  Other items worth noting in this category are letter openers and bullet crucifixes.

In later years, trench art made by civilians would continue to evolve into creative items such as clocks, lamps, candle-sticks and even table gongs.  Inkwells were also made using grenades or shrapnel.

Trench art, throughout its evolving history, proved to be beneficial to all who took part in its creation.  Whether it was a soldier to pass time in the trench, a POW to pass time and then use the item to barter, or a civilian creation to assist in regaining economic stability, the many examples of trench art represent a wide range of creators as well as creations.

Vintage 1923 Art Deco solid silver officers military trench watch    US $355.95

Vintage WWII Trench Art Style Bullet Shell Lighter Coins British Pence Military    US $31.00

Trench Art Table Lamp Light Militaria Artillery Ammo WW2 Shell Military Brass    US $124.99

WW2 Brass Trench Art Ashtray Artilery Military Handmade    US $15.50

Vintage 1950 Military Trench Art 75mm Shell Casing Lamp w Arrow Copper Socket    US $74.99

Vtg Bowers Brass WWI WWII Army Military Trench Art Field Cigarette Cigar Lighter    US $24.99

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The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has a wide variety of WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War military camouflage items on display throughout the museum.  Camouflage bandanas and decks of camouflage cards, along with other items, are also available for purchase in the museum’s store.  Visit the museum’s on-line store using the link below:

                                                    AFHM Museum Store

Camouflage - A Civilian Trend

Military camouflage goes far beyond the service these days.  Fashion statements are made every day in the civilian world using military camouflage clothing.  Camo clothing has been popular for sometime, which probably takes it outside the definition of a “trend”.  When it comes to military type camouflage, there are people who are always interested in some fatigue type clothing.  Sometimes the clothing of choice can be as simple as a comfortable t-shirt but some people prefer the all-out, head-to-toe camouflage garb used in World War II or other conflict, oftentimes finding a former military member’s fatigues in a local second hand store.

Hunters are another group who will frequently use camo clothing.  This type of clothing allows the hunter to fade into the background becoming more inconspicuous when he is out in the woods or sitting on his deer stand.  For others, the choice of this military camouflage clothing is an optional choice for comfort or simply to make a creative fashion statement.   The statement may be as simple as a small accessory, such as a bandana, or as bold as full fatigues. 

Camouflage Continues to Evolve

Over the years, the fatigue look has continued to evolve.  Girl’s camo wear is not always the typical muted green/brown/tan.  Now, their clothing choices will often consist of a choice of pink or even lilac type camo.  Some modifications for the boy’s camouflage have occurred as well.  Their choice now include items with a little different shading and sometimes coloring, allowing the style to be a little less military and a little more fun.  Camouflage is sometimes used on fashion accessories and other everyday items as simple as a bandana or as unique as a deck of playing cards.  As the availability of camo steps outside the everyday military colors and articles of clothing, an individual is able to make a very personal statement with their selection. 

The classic heritage of military camouflage clothing allows it to transcend all generations and is almost always an accepted choice of wear, which allows a person to always feel in style.  So whether it is comfort, stylish trend or practical purchase, military camouflage has morphed over the decades and continues to be a popular choice among the civilians.

The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL has a wide variety of military camouflage items from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War on display throughout the museum.  Camouflage bandanas and decks of camouflage cards, along with other items, are also available for purchase in the museum’s store.  Visit the museum’s on-line store using the link below:

                                                            AFMM Museum Store

History of Camouflage

Military camouflage goes far beyond just the clothing one often associates with this term.  While the importance of blending into the foreground or background is vital to military soldiers, it is also crucial for military equipment and vehicles.  While the use of camouflage can be traced back to the 1800s, the English began incorporating this concept of visual deception in World War I.  The United States quickly followed suite leaving behind their Civil War green-jacketed wear and updating it with the Khaki introduced by the British.  Eventually, large pieces of camouflage material would become popular in a necessity to conceal larger objects when painting was impractical. 

Camouflage in the military quickly gained recognition as artists began designing and promoting the benefits of camouflage.  The French even set up a Camouflage Department in 1915 enlisting their own artists, which led the British, United States, Germany and Italy to quickly follow suite.  In 1940, the United States Army Corps of Engineers introduced a new reversible design, which eventually led to a two-part jacket and pants using a leopard design. 

The use of military camouflage has continued to evolve meeting the need of each battle and military branch.  A woodland pattern and desert pattern have emerged, along with the pattern itself becoming smaller in order to more effectively hide the stark disruption of a larger pattern which was easier to identify. 

Civilian Trend

Camouflage used by the military made its way into civilian trend quite early on.  In 1914, the French had incorporated the use of camouflage on their military vehicles.  That same year, after the German’s invaded France, the fashion designers in Paris took advantage of the design and began incorporating it into their line of women’s clothing. 

Since that time, civilian camouflage has continued to evolve and gain popularity.  Some, such as hunters, use it for practical purposes, while others use camouflage clothing to make a fashion statement.  Despite the continued popularity of camouflage clothing and designs, some countries actually forbid anyone – including tourists - other than military personnel to wear any type of camouflage clothing. 

King style Taiwan Mens a hole for Penis up Underwear Camouflage Brief CF C33 GR    US $13.99

King Style Mens Man Sexy Low Underwear Green Camouflage mini Brief CR B2201 GR    US $13.99

FLEECE HALF COVER CAMO FACE SKI MASK camouflage new winter hat cap gear A7    US $8.49

3pc set CAMOUFLAGE HEADBAND BANDANAS hair head band tie camo cool punk girls A38    US $9.79

CAMOUFLAGE ONE SINGLE HOLE WINTER FACE SKI MASK BALACLAVA hunting camo hat A44    US $8.79

Mossy Oak Camouflage Backpack    US $38.00

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