USS Constitution — "Old Ironsides" Model, Medium | Admiral Line

Old Ironsides — the heavy frigate that beat four Royal Navy ships in a single war and has never been decommissioned since.

Built plank on frame in western red cedar, rosewood and mahogany, laid one plank at a time over a wooden frame. Fully assembled, no kit.

Construction

• Plank-on-frame hull with the deep, heavily built lines of a 44-gun frigate
• Gun deck and spar deck batteries with cast cannon both sides
• Three masts and bowsprit with complete hand-knotted standing and running rigging
• Hand-stitched linen sails on every yard
• Carved stern with the eagle and trailboard detail
• Ship's boats, capstan, wheel, gratings and deck fittings
• Metal anchors and wooden rudder
• Solid wood base and engraved brass nameplate

History

Launched at Boston in 1797, Constitution was one of six frigates authorised to protect American shipping — built heavier and longer than any European frigate of her rate, with a hull of southern live oak up to 25 inches thick. She earned her nickname on 19 August 1812, when British shot was seen bouncing off her side during her defeat of HMS Guerriere. She is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat and remains in the water at Charlestown Navy Yard, sailing under her own canvas on ceremonial occasions.