Imperial War Museum Collections

Online access to a continually growing number of catalogue records - some with linked images. Also an online enquiry and appointment service via MyList.

Exhibits in the Department's care range from artillery, badges, communications equipment, currency, edged weapons, ephemera, flags, medals, munitions, models, toys, uniforms and personal equipment.

Most of the collection of artillery and large military equipment is on show at Imperial War Museum London or Imperial War Museum Duxford. The Large Exhibits Gallery in London has examples of significant types of artillery and ordnance, including naval ordnance.

The collection covers British gallantry and campaign awards since 1914 together with the various orders of British knighthood. Insignia of the nations who fought in the two world wars are represented. Many particularly significant awards, such as those to famous individuals, are on display in the galleries. The Museum's collections of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses can be found in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Gallery.

The Imperial War Museum is also the official repository of the national collection of modern firearms (as specified by the Cottesloe Committee 1927). It includes examples of most firearms (under 20mm) issued on a significant scale by the major powers in the twentieth century as well as representative examples of of weapons illustrating the development of firearms in the nineteenth century. Access to this collection is allowed only under strict conditions; please see contact details and visitor information.

• Currency, mostly dating from the First World War and the interwar period, with the devalued currency of the Weimar Republic well represented. Second World War material includes Japanese and German occupation notes.
• Models used to be the preferred method of display for large military equipment and the collection is full of fine examples of the craft. The collection also includes briefing models used in planning operations.
• Munitions. The collection contains examples of artillery ammunition, grenades, mines and demolition equipment. Most typical types of British Ammunition from both world wars are represented.
• Uniforms can be seen on display at Imperial War Museum London as examples of the comprehensive and international collection together with examples of headdress and personal equipment.
• Ephemera. This large collection of fascinating material is organised thematically and contains items relating to prisoners of war, rationing and 'escape and evasion'; ceramics, sports trophies, commemorative material, small textile items, religious mementoes, propaganda items, toys and games and trench art as well as considerable amounts of home front material.
• Insignia. The collection contains examples of most British and Commonwealth military badges including cap badges, shoulder titles, formation badges, rank, trade and qualification badges. There is also a fine collection of badges worn by other nations from both world wars.
• Flags. A large collection comprising examples of flags representing the three services, most national participants in the two world wars as well as examples of signalling flags, cavalry pennons and car flags.
• Communications. A collection of radios, cipher machines, radar and other types of specialist communications equipment.
• Edged Weapons. This collection comprises swords, bayonets, lances, trench clubs and fighting knives.

Contact Details and Visitor Information for visitors to Exhibits and Firearms.

British Service Medals of the First World War - an in-depth look at the three most common British First World War medals found by family historians.

The Victoria Cross - facts about the Victoria Cross.

The George Cross - facts about the George Cross.

Frequently Asked Questions - was there really a gun that could shoot around corners?  And what is the history behind the 15 inch guns installed outside Imperial War Museum London?  Answers to these and other questions...