FOR INFORMATION ON THIS CHAPTER PLEASE CONTACT:
President Alan Boyd: Alan.Boyd@jhuapl.edu (703) 339-6386
V. President: Ron Steele rgsteele2@verizon.net 703-340-4061
Secretary: George Franks gffranks3@yahoo.com (301) 379-0330
Treasurer: David Harden hardend@aol.com 304-258-1482
Facebook: (20+) Chesapeake Chapter, Company of Military Historians | Facebook
Latest Company & Chapter News:
On Saturday Dec. 3rd, author, collector and historian, Fred Gaede gave a presentation on “Muskets and Men in Defense of Baltimore 1814’… at the NRA headquarters and museum in Fairfax Virginia. Fred had four MARYLAND-marked muskets on display and to discuss. Plus a number of bayonets for them as well as other items and memorabilia related to the defense of Baltimore in 1814. Among other items, three of the Maryland muskets that Fred had with him were on PBS series “Chesapeake Collectibles” in the last episode of that program, back in 2020. Here’s the link: https://video.mpt.tv/video/episode-1013-7dmnru/
Fred is a member of the Chesapeake Chapter CMH, a member of Maryland Arms Collectors Association and a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors. His valuable knowledge of early U.S. war accoutrements and weapons is a real asset to our Chapter and we are fortunate to have him as a member. Fred gave an excellent talk and had a spectacular collection of 1812 era Maryland accouterments and weapons. We had several display tables and members brought in a number of related items to show and discuss that supported the presentation. Thank you Fred!
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71st Annual Meeting Rock Island, Illinois (The Quad Cities) was held on 6-8- October 2022. Kevin Lonergan did an excellent job hosting this meeting, making it very memorable for 70 plus members in attendance. Great job Kevin!
Miller Award: Jerry Roxbury:
“Hats of the U.S. Navy” showing the various hats from the Civil War to the Spanish American War highlighting the fancy embroidering that was popular with Sailors during this time frame
The Emerson Award was awarded to John Thillmann and Chris Grazzini for the Journal article they wrote entitled “The Rarely Seen Early American Light Dragoon Saddles, C. 1770-1815“
Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to Randy Baehr (St. Lewis Chapter) for his Presentation and Research on the “Woodruff Gun”.
Other Extraordinary Displays ….
US Magazine Rifles, Model 1903, Caliber .30 The Early Years: 1903-1920
by Vince Rausch
Durs Egg Flintlocks & Durs Egg Eagle Pommel Sword (1786-1804)
by Alan Boyd
The Banquet:
Photo 2 Charles Cureton and Mark Kasal
Rock Island Arsenal Museum:
Dinner at the River House Bar & Grill
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CHESAPEAKE CHAPER ANNUAL PICNIC on Saturday Aug. 20th in Berkeley Springs, WV
Dave and Lee,
Thank you very much for hosting the Chesapeake Chapter annual picnic this year. Your castle is a special place and worked very well for the event. The presentation was informative and broad reaching covering 200 years of Army headgear and ceremonial hats. The historic gun shoot is always a treat and even my wife participated and she is a “gun hater”. The food was 5 star fantastic! Lee is a wonderful chef and be sure to thank Soo Prince too since I know she helped set up and put out the spread. If anyone left hungry it was their own fault since the food covered a lot of different genres and was so plentiful I am surprised that any of us fit out the doors. It was all so good.
I have received several emails or Facebook Messages from members who thoroughly enjoyed themselves so it is a widespread appreciation of what you do to enhance our organization.
Very respectfully, Alan
If you have any photos you would like to share on the Chapter’s Facebook page, please do so. Below are a few I took. Click this link for our Facebook page Chesapeake Chapter, Company of Military Historians | Facebook
Patrick Gloyd firing an original Sharps carbine……
Photo 2 Headgear
Photo 3 Mike and Meda firing a Winchester model 1890
Photo 4 Alan and George
Photo 5 the Buffet table
Photo 6 Desert table
Photo 7 Robert and George
Photo 8 Kenneth Smith-Christmas
Photo 9 the Hardware
The American Society of Arms Collectors had the 136th meeting (April 27 – May 1, 2022) in Newport News, VA
Displays that were set up by members of the Chesapeake Chapter.
Maryland Arms Collectors Association (MACA) March 18th-19th,
2022 Show… Chapter Display
To all, thank you for helping at the table this weekend at the MACA Arms Show. From your feedback as well as comments from visitors throughout the weekend, the Randall knife display drew a lot of positive interest. Almost all of the hard copy membership applications were scarfed up, and many people also used the QR code sheets, so hopefully we see something positive come from that in new member interest. Again, thanks for the support throughout the weekend, and look forward to seeing you at the next gathering …John Dowdle
The Chesapeake Chapter had a display table at the MACA Show (March 19-20). . The theme this year was focused on Randall Fighting Knifes… from the collection of Chapter member John Dowdle. This display pointed out the differences between their military style knives and their military-survival knives….between 13-17 knives were on display.
Chapter President Alan Boyd with treasurer Dave Harden
See article PDF by John Dowdle
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“A Survey of American Early Republic Flintlock Pistols 1780-1819”
Early Republic Flintlock Pistols 1780-1819
The Chesapeake Chapter had a meeting at the NRA headquarters on Saturday Jan. 15th where the topic focused on among others…. Harpers Ferry, Simeon North, Derringer, Henry, Evans and Springfield flintlock pistols. These guns and manufacturers played an important role in the early years of the Republic…… Shays’ Rebellion August 29, 1786 – February 1787, the Whiskey Rebellion 1791–1794, the Northwest Indian War (1786–1795), Quasi-War1798-1800, Fries’s Rebellion 1799-1800, War of 1812, 1st Seminole War (1817-1818) and the numerous Indian wars and skirmishes between the various tribes and American settlers on the frontier. We thanked John Thillmann, who did a fantastic job with this presentation on these early pistols. I’m sure members and guests enjoyed this informative lecture. We also thanked Philip Schreier (NRA museum curator) who is also a Chapter member, for the use of their wonderful facility / auditorium.
See presentation “A” (click here) as a Movie. Hit “pause” if more time needed to view the photos.
See presentation “A” (click here) as a PowerPoint. Select “slide show” then click “from beginning” use space bar to advance to next slide.
See presentation “B” (click here) as a PowerPoint. Select “slide show” then click “from beginning” use space bar to advance to next slide.
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On Saturday Nov. 6th, Kenneth Smith-Christmas presented his research on the “Frankenstein-Spencer” rifle from the Fenian Raids against Canada. It was damaged during the battle of Ridgeway and repaired by the armorer of the Canadian’s Queens Own.
Although attendance was light, it was great to have a Company of Military Historians Chesapeake Chapter meeting in person after a hiatus of a year and a half. President Alan Boyd addressing the members.
Afterwards, Chapter members (Mike Osborne, Alan Boyd, John Thillmann, Dirk Salverian and Ron Steele) treated Kenneth to lunch at the nearby Cheese Cake Factory.
Thanks Kenneth and also thanks to Philip Schreier for hosting us in a fabulous auditorium at the NRA headquarters in Fairfax VA
On Saturday September 25th, 2021
Open House 2021 | Americans in Wartime Experience
Military Tanks and Armored Vehicles | K9 Demos | Veteran Interviews | Living History Unit Displays and Reenactments | Historical Displays | Veteran Support Groups | Children’s Activities | Food Vendors | Flame Thrower Demos and More!
2021 Tank Farm Open House
Nokesville, Virginia
September 25 & 26
10am – 4pm Both Days
Chapter members had a very enjoyable day at the Tank Farm in Nokesville, Virginia.
On August 21, the Chapter had its yearly Chapter picnic at Dave Harden’s house in Berkeley Springs, WVa click here to see photos of event.
The Greene rifle was an American single shot underhammer breechloading bolt action rifle, designed by Lieutenant Colonel James Durrell Greene of the U.S. Army. The Greene rifle was the first bolt-action rifle adopted by the United States Army, and saw use during the American Civil War
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On Saturday July 24th 2021 we had a very enjoyable event at the new U.S. Army Museum (Fort Belvoir). Chesapeake Chapter member John Dowdle was there and he took the group around to certain highlights as a tour docent, which he will begin doing later on in the summer on a regular basis.
(20+) Company of Military Historians | Facebook
https://www.thenmusa.org/visit/
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Sword Display 1
Sword Display 2
Sword Display 3
Past Chapter Meetings
2021 Princeton NJ National Meeting
PowerPoint Pictures of Meeting
International Military Antiques www.ima-usa.com
Chesapeake’s July 24th Meeting /Event at Fort Belvoir Army Museum
Chesapeake’s February 13th 2021 meeting
Chesapeake’s February 28th 2021 Meeting
Current News:
At the Gettysburg April 2021 show, CMH Chapter members took three of the four show display awards:
Juanita Leisch-Jensen 1st Runner-up for her display of Uniforms titled “Early and Ongoing Authenticity”
Jerry Roxbury 2nd Runner-up for display of swords titled “Presentation and Presentation Grade Civil War Pattern 1852 Naval Officer Swords”
Paul Johnson Judges Choice Award for his display of leather goods titled “Cartridge Boxes for Union Carbines 1839-1865”
Jim Brown won 1st prize with his display on “Virginia Manufactory Swords“. Congratulations to all for outstanding displays!
2019 Activities
| On Saturday, Philip Schreier, senior curator of the NRA museum put on a fantastic presentation on “Confederate Revolvers”. Philip featured some of the more popular and not so popular revolvers used by the Confederates during the Civil War. The meeting was held at Fort ward on Saturday November 2nd at 10:00am. Members brought some nice items from their collection in support of the talk. It was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy the presentation. Afterwards, we took Philip out to lunch in appreciation for a superb talk on this subject. |
2018 Activities
| July | The Chesapeake chapter had a meeting and picnic hosted by President Chris Grazzini’s at his home in Quantico, Virginia on Saturday, July 28. The meeting had a World War I theme, featured a barbeque “pot luck” luncheon. John De Pue gave a talk about weapons of the doughboy, illustrated by items from his collection. After lunch, we visited the near-by Marine Corps Museum which opened a new exhibit featuring the Corps in WW 1 The membership enjoyed the day and was a very enlightening presentation by John.     |
| April | Chapter met at Fort Ward Park,4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA Saturday, 10:00am on April 21nd on the Battle of Falling Waters given by one of our own members, George Franks. The Battle of Falling Waters involved 7,434 Union soldiers under Brig. Generals Judson Kilpatrick and John Buford and 3,320 Confederate soldiers under Maj. General Henry Heth. The Battle of Gettysburg took place between July 1-3, 1863, but the final fighting of the historic campaign came on July 14 at the little known Battle of Falling Waters near Williamsport. By then, most of the retreating Confederate troops who had fought at Gettysburg had crossed the Potomac River to escape the Union army. The primary objective of the battle was to protect Robert E. Lee’s army as it crossed the Potomac. Most of the Confederate army crossed over the Potomac on a pontoon bridge built in an area near Williamsport known as Falling Waters. The name came from a small waterfall on what was then the Virginia side of the Potomac River.George F. Franks III, who lives on the property where the battle was fought, has written a book about the battle and the events leading up to it, called “The Battle of Falling Waters.” Franks began writing the book two years ago and it was published July 16 , two days after the anniversary of the Battle of Falling Waters. George gave a very impressive talk and everyone enjoyed it! Members brought items from their collection and they were presented to the members as well. |
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| January | On Saturday Jan. 27th, the Chesapeake Chapter had a meeting at Fort Ward, Va. The speaker was one of own members, Glenn Williams who gave an excellent talk on his book Lord Dunmore’s War. It was an excellent presentation …Lord Dunmore’s War was the name given to a series of bloody hostilities in 1774 between the colonists of Virginia and the Shawnee and Mingo Indians. The area south of the Ohio River had long been claimed by the Iroquois, the most powerful Indian nation in the Northern Colonies, but other tribes also made claims to the area and often hunted the region. The colonists began exploring and settling the lands south of the Ohio River (now WV and KY) after the 1768 Treaty of Fort Stanwix with the Iroquois, but Ohio Indians who hunted the land refused to sign the treaty and prepared to defend their hunting rights. Glenn did a great job and he certainly made the talk very interesting. After the presentation, members of the Chapter gave a brief talk on items of interest they brought to the meeting. It was a very well attended meeting and everyone seemed to really enjoy the gathering. |
 Glenn Williams speaking about his recent book |
2017 Activities
| August | On Saturday August 12th , we conducted a joint meeting and lunch with the Tidewater Chapter in Fredericksburg / Spotsylvania at John Thillmann’s home. I’d like to thank John and Karen for being gracious hosts and sharing their new home to the Chapters. It was a very well attended meeting, the food and comradery was excellent.After the meeting, Chapter members Doug Lampe, Jerry Roxbury, Fred Gaede and William Connery gave brief talks on items they brought from their collections. After lunch, John De Pue conducted an excellent driving tour of the battle of Chancellorsville (tracing the route of Stonewell Jackson’s famous “Flank March”) and ended at the Chancellorsville visitors center. The enthusiasm of the members that day and having both chapters present was exciting, so we plan to do it again in the future. We had approx. 28 members attending. More images on Facebook (Login may be required) |
 Fred Gaede explaining the significance of a white buff leather militia belt | |
| June | Dave Harden and his wife have graciously invited our Chapter members to a luncheon meeting at his home in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia on the 10th of June at 12:00 noon. Following a picnic lunch, Dave showed us his collection and present a lecture on the trapdoor Springfield rifle, illustrated by examples from his collection. We also visited acouple of historical sites in Winchester end route to Dave’s. Photos are on Facebook (Login may be required) |
2016 Activities
| December | The Chesapeake Chapter of the CMH conducted a very exciting meeting at The Horse Soldier, 219 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 beginning at 10:00 a.m.We were joined by members of the new Gettysburg Chapter that Sam and Wes Small are working to organize.During the meeting, which was held in the shop’s second floor library, we had the special privilege of viewing some of the spectacular swords from the Kevin Hoffman collection that the Horse Soldier is marketing. Following lunch, Gary Cross, a licensed battlefield guide, lead us in a tour of the East Cavalry Battlefield, and narrated the July 3, 1863 cavalry action between BG George A. Custer and MG JEB Stuart. The meeting also include several matters of importance to Chapter administration. President John Thillmann has submitted his resignation, effective December 31, 2016, due to an impending move from the area. Vice- President Pat Gloyd, has submitted his resignation from that office because, as the CMH National Treasurer, he is unable to assume the presidency as our by-laws provide. Both officers have one more year to complete their terms. We conducted a special election to fill these positions for the unexpired portions of the terms. COL Chris Grazzini, USAF was nomination as President and George Franks as Vice-President. Attached are a few picture taken during the event…enjoy. Sam and Wes were gracious hosts and we thank them very much for their hospitality!This is a link to the CMH’s Facebook page with more photos | |||
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| September | On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Annual CMH Chesapeake Chapter picnic and meeting was held at John Thillman’s house. We had over 24 members who came and enjoyed presentations by John DePue with assistance by Chris Grazzini on swords from 1785 through 1818, Alan Boyd on a historic USN Sword from the War of 1812. Jim Kochand and William Leigh brought lots of great swords and etc to sell and other members also put out things to sell. It was truly amazing to see that many early American made swords in one place!John really enjoyed hosting the event …3 cases of beer, 36 1/3 pound Burgers, 20 hot dogs, (man that grill was really hot..on a very hot day) large tub of potato salad, 4 bags of chips and salsa and my signature salad. I barely had time to sit…but John DePue and Chris Grazzini did a great job. All in all a great meeting/picnic.Super hot day but Mike Rosen, MD was in attendance so no worries from the heat. George Franks came early with ice just in time to get the first round of bee cold!John started the meeting as Chapter President, John DePue chapter treasurer gave a report and Mike Osborne gave the secretaries report…..then had to cook burgers and franks so asked Chris Grazzini to take over.The John’s house was on the banks of the Potomac River and luckily we had a very slight breeze…. so while hot it was tolerable..This is a link to the CMH’s Facebook page with more photos | |||
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| February | On the morning of the 6th we held a meeting at the Horse-Soldier in Gettysburg to elect new officers and thereafter the Chapter members went on a professional guide led tour of the battlefield. It was great! | |||
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| March | The chapter manned a CMH table and put on a display of Army Spurs from the Patrick Gloyd collection at the Baltimore Antique Gun show on the 18th through the 20th. We manned the table over a three day time frame with members and were able to recruit some new members. | |||
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| April | From the 14th through the 17th the Chapter was a sponsor of the Annual CMH meeting at the Hilton Dulles/Washington. We put on the break room with ice tea, soda, water, beer and wine which was pretty much consumed by Sunday morning, and we also judged and presented two Chesapeake chapter awards at the show for Best display and Best relic (Alex de Quesada won best relic and the photo of his display is attached). John Thillmann and Patrick Gloyd were co chairs and are Chesapeake Chapter President and VIce President as well. Mike Osborn chapter Secretary was the Audio Visual guru. John DePue our treasurer was also the Meeting Treasurer. Mike Mancuso was in charge of security, Peter McDermott got us the “Old Guard” for the flag presentation and many other members were instrumental in making the meeting a success. | |||
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| July | The Chesapeake Chapter hosted a meeting on Saturday, July 16th at 10:00 AM at Fort Ward. The presentation was on Mosby’s men by Eric Buckland who has written 5 books on Mosby’s Rangers. Follow this link to his website, that will give more details about his books….. http://www.mosbymen.com/ | |||
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2015 Activities
| September | Chapter meeting and picnic in Alexandria, Virginia. Presentation: “Imported French Swords in the War of 1812” by Chris Grazzini. Special thanks to John Thillmann and Chris Grazzini. |
| September | Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Annual DC Model Soldier Show in Annandale, VA. Thanks to Tim Terrell. |
| March | Annual Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Maryland Antique Arms Show in Baltimore . Chapter display: “Model 1832 Foot Artillery Swords and Belts”. Thanks to John De Pue, Michael Osborne and John Thillmann. |
2014 Activities
| December | Chapter meeting and John S. Mosby event. Presentation and tour at Warrenton Cemetery with the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society, and tour of The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail, Warrenton, VA. |
| September | Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Annual DC Model Soldier Show in Annandale , VA. Thanks to Tim Terrell. |
| August | Chapter meeting at Fort Ward, Alexandria, Virginia. Presentation: Shadow of Shiloh: Major General Lew Wallace in the Civil War by author Gail Stephens. |
| June | Chapter meeting in Historic Donnelly House, Falling Waters Maryland. Tour of the Falling Waters Battlefield led by author George Franks. |
| March | Annual Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Maryland Antique Arms Show in Baltimore . Display theme was “Large Frame Army Revolvers from the Civil War.” Thanks to John De Pue, Patrick Gloyd, John Thillmann and volunteers. |
2013 Activities
| December | Chapter meeting at Fort Ward, Alexandria, Virginia. Presentation on The Confederate Enfield by Captain Steven Knott (Ret.) |
| July | Tour of the Bristoe Station Battlefield in Bristoe Station, Virginia and Chapter picnic. |
| April | Assistance and volunteer staffing of the Annual National Meeting of the CMH in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Thanks to Mike Mancuso, John Thillmann and other Chesapeake Chapter volunteers who helped make this meeting a success. |
| March | Annual Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Maryland Antique Arms Show in Baltimore . Thanks to John De Pue, Patrick Gloyd, Mike Osborne, John Thillmann and volunteers. |
| February | Chapter meeting at NRA Headquarters, Fairfax, Virginia. Museum tour of the National Firearms Museum by Senior Curator Philip Schreier. |
2012 Activities
| January | Chapter meeting. Tour of the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico Virginia. View a private collection of War of 1812 period swords. Special thanks to Chris Grazzini.Summary of the Chapters January 2012 Meeting at the USMC Museum at Quantico, VA (Link to Videos) |
| March | Annual Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Maryland Antique Arms Show in Baltimore . Thanks to John De Pue, Terry Thomann and volunteers. |
| April | Assistance and volunteer staffing of the Annual National Meeting of the CMH in Baltimore, Maryland. Thanks to Jeff Goodson and the many Chesapeake Chapter volunteers who made this meeting a great success. Link to 2012 General Meeting |
| July | Chapter Meeting at Fort Ward. Presentation on Mexican War Period weapons, focusing on the Colt Walker revolver, by National Firearms Museum curator Philip Schreier. Special thanks to the NRA, Philip Schreier and Mike Osborne. |
| September 1 | Battlefield tour of South Mountain, Maryland with noted author and guide John Michael Priest. |
| December | Chapter meeting at Springfield Arsenal, Alexandria Virginia. Presentation: “Some Historically Significant Artillery Pieces” by John Morris. Tour of Springfield Arsenal, LLC by John Morris. |
2011 Program Highlights
| January | Chapter meeting and behind-the-scenes tour, at the US Navy Academy Museum in Annapolis . Thanks to Larry Clemens. |
| March | Annual Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Maryland Antique Arms Show in Baltimore . Thanks to John De Pue & Patrick Gloyd. |
| April | Assistance and partial staffing of the Annual National Meeting of the CMH in Valley Forge , PA. Thanks to Mike Mancuso, Marko & Nancy Zlatich, Fred Gaede, Jeff Goodson, and others who gave presentations and/or set up displays. |
| May | Historical Firearms shoot at the Manassas Tank Farm. Arranged by John Morris. August – Annual Chapter family Picnic was cancelled. Thanks to the Hurricane. |
| September | Chapter Display & Recruiting Booth at the Annual DC Model Soldier Show in Annandale , VA. Thanks to Tim Terrell, & Jeff Goodson. |
| September | Chapter meeting and presentation of Pre-Civil War Swords by John Thillmann, John De Pue & Chris Grazzini at Fort Ward, VA. |
| December | Second Annual Chapter Holiday Social. Tour of the Riversdale Mansion near Bladensburg , MD. Thanks to Jeff Goodson. |
2010 Activities
| 18 September | Chapter meeting and presentation at Fort Ward, Alexandria, Virginia, starting at 1100. |
| 20 November | Lincoln Cottage tour and presentation at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, DC. |
| 4 December | Inaugural Chapter holiday social and tour of headquarters of the Society of Cincinnati, Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. |