Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[FEATURED EXHIBIT] World War II 1941 Soviet-Made Model TT-33 “Tokarev” Pistol

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Soviet officer Alexey Yeremenko leading his men into combat with a Tokarev TT-33.
Soviet officer Alexey Yeremenko leading his men into combat with a Tokarev TT-33.

Here’s an interesting new addition to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s World War II collection: a 1941 Soviet-made Model TT-33 “Tokarev” pistol. Known for its rugged and reliable design, this pistol (chambered in 7.62 x 25mm) was developed in the 1930s by Fedor Tokarev to replace the aging Model 1895 Nagant revolver. The pistol saw widespread use during World War II by the Soviet Union, our ally against the Axis powers of Germany and Japan.

The TT-33 was eventually replaced by the 9mm Makarov pistol in the mid-1950s, but it continued to see widespread use up to present day by other communist nations such as the People’s Republic of China and North Korea.

The black-and-white picture shows Soviet officer Alexey Yeremenko leading his men into combat against the Germans in World War II, armed with a Tokarev TT-33. He was reportedly killed minutes after this photo was taken.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Original 1775 Charter for the RI United Train of Artillery

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This is the original charter of the Rhode Island United Train of Artillery (UTA) written April 22nd, 1775, just 3 days after “the shot heard round the world” at Concord, MA, that began the U.S. fight for independence. After raising 80% of the funds through a grant, the document has gone through an extensive conservation process by one of the nation’s best conservators. It was also mounted by the same conservators, allowing it to be safely shared with the public.

The UTA became part of the Continental Artillery Regiment under the famous Henry Knox participating in several important campaigns and battles including Battle of Long Island and the Siege of Boston. This charter is one of the founding documents of the US military … a true American treasure.

Very soon, you will soon be able to see it on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Artifacts & Guidon Flag

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Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit
Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit

In direct relation to our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag, the Varnum Memorial Armory also has on exhibit the uniform belonging to North Kingstown’s Lyman Aylesworth, one the few cavalrymen to escape the Battle of Middleburg on June 18, 1863.  Click here to book a tour!

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Company L Guidon Flag from the First Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War

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Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag

June 18, 2016 was the 153rd anniversary of the First Rhode Island Cavalry‘s demise at the Battle of Middleburg during the U.S. Civil War. Nearly surrounded by overwhelming numbers from Jeb Stuart‘s Confederate cavalry, Col. Duffie ordered every man to try to get away. Out of roughly 280 soldiers, only 27 made it out. In the midst of the fray, this guidon flag of Company L was captured late in the morning of June 18th, 1863.  The guidon flag is one of the newer exhibits at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum in East Greenwich, RI.  Click here to book a tour at the armory!

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Civil War Guidon Flag gets Professional Framing

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We took the Civil War-era 1st Rhode Island Cavalry guidon flag to Crestar Picture Framing today for a professional display.  In these images, Tony Scelsa takes precise measurements for the new frame.

We plan to mount a plexiglass sheet with museum-quality ultra-violet protection over the flag’s existing archival-safe matting and frame.  The treated plexiglass will protect the flag from light damage and will keep curious fingers and dust off of the cloth.  The display’s backside is open to the unbleached linen backing to allow the flag to breathe.

While the custom framing is ordered and built, the flag will be professionally cleaned previous to display in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.  To book a tour of the Armory’s military history collection, just click here.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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