Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum

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The Varnum Continentals’ Rhode Island National Guard-issued 1903 field gun and limber has been moved to the Benefit Street Arsenal (BSA) Museum as part of a 2-year loan deal between the two organizations.

This incredible piece of early 20th-century artillery (with its original paint and patina) will be on display in their main hall. The BSA is essentially the birthplace and home of Rhode Island’s artillery units. The Rhode Island 103rd Field Artillery Unit likely used this gun in training before heading off to Europe.

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum currently does not have the space to publicly display this amazing piece, so we are thrilled for it to be on public display in a beautiful location.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Rhode Island Civil War Artillery Officer’s Frock Coat

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Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat

This Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat and pants belonged to a member of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. James E. Chace.  His unit was a storied regiment with a lot of combat experience in many of the biggest battles of the Eastern theater. At Gettysburg, Chace was a member of Battery G as a Lieutenant. He later became a Captain in Battery B.

The shoulder board on this frock coat shows that it was originally for a Lieutenant and then a single bar was later added to make it right for a Captain. So, it is quite likely this jacket was a witness to the great Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863.  So far, we’ve spent about 8 hours cleaning these items. They were both covered in moth cocoon remnants and waste. It’s tedious work; removing the waste without also removing fragile fabric or making existing holes bigger. It requires great care and slow progress. But the result is very rewarding.

[FEATURE EXHIBIT] Artillery Sponge/Rammer, and Worm for Civil War James Canon

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We had a great time at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show!  Our collection now has a fantastic artillery sponge/rammer and worm for the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s Civil War James gun.

This set has its original paint and appears to have been actually used in the field to load and swab the bore of a 6-pounder cannon.  It comes from the Valley Forge Historical Society, having been acquired by them in the 1910s.  The collection at that time was said to have come from Antietam and Gettysburg; both not too far from Valley Forge. It’s amazing that the lambs wool (or carpet?) still remains on the sponge head!  This is extremely rare!  Book a tour to see this exciting piece.

Historic Canons at the Varnum Memorial Armory

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In addition to a comprehensive military museum of smaller items, the Varnum Memorial Armory features numerous historic canons from both the Revolutionary War and Civil War.  The following gallery provides a sample of our artillery exhibits.

The Varnum Armory is available for tours by appointment only.  To book a tour, call 401-885-4110, send an email, or fill out this online booking form!

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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