 |
|
Move your cursor over the
smaller images to view as main image. |
USS Constitution Limited 50" Description
Total Dimensions: 50" L x 15" W x 34" H SOLD FULLY ASSEMBLED
Ready for Immediate Display - Not a Model Ship kit
The indomitable flagship of the USS Constitution fleet, this Limited Edition scale replica tall model ship truly captures the pride and magnificence of “Old Ironsides”. With the finest of craftsmanship, devoted attention to historical accuracy and brimming with museum-quality features and details, these tall ship models of the USS Constitution evokes the indomitable spirit of her namesake. Displayed as the commanding centerpiece of any office, den or boardroom, Old Ironsides will inspire awe with her exquisite design and a victorious determination with her historic patriotism.
50" Long x 15" Wide x 34" High (1:49 scale)
•Largest scale replica tall ship models allow maximum detailing of features, additional deck items, highly complex rigging, increased scale accuracy and other quality enhancements
•Built from scratch over hundreds of hours by master artisans
•High quality woods include cherry, birch, maple and rosewood
•Individual wooden planks used in hull construction
•Meticulous painting accurately matches the real USS Constitution
•Museum Quality features not available in other tall ship models under $5,000 or any kit
◦Accurate beakhead design and scrollwork
◦Netting on bow and along gunwale to prevent boarding
◦Handcrafted rosewood eagle on the stern
◦Increased detail of deck features, cannon carriages, painting and other features
•Most complex rigging of any model with hundreds of blocks and deadeyes
•Four anchors weigh aside the bow
•Cannon carriages tied-down to deck to reduce recoil
•Other Amazing Details, including:
◦23 masterfully stitched, heavy canvas sails hold shape and do not wrinkle
◦Taut rigging with varied thread gauge and color
◦Authentic scale lifeboats
◦Planked deck with nail holes
◦U.S. shield on the bow
◦Solid brass cannons and metal anchors
◦Rudder chains, cannonball racks
◦Additional deck details such as cannon balls, barrels, etc.
•Limited production run only 50 of this tall ships model
•Certificate of Authenticity individually numbered and signed by HMS Founder and Master Builder Richard Norris
•Wooden display base features four arched dolphins
◦Pictured with marble base (available for purchase)
•Extensive research of original plans, historical drawings and paintings as well as actual photographs ensures the highest possible accuracy
USS Constitution Limited 50" History Named for the written instrument embodying the fundamental organic law and principles of government of the United States of America.
(Frigate: displacement: 2,200, length between perpendiculars 175'; beam 43'6"; depth (in hold) 14'3"; speed 13 knots; complement 460; armament 28 24-pounder, 10 12-pounder.)
Constitution, one of six frigates authorized by act of Congress, approved 27 March 1794, was designed by Joshua Humphreys, and built at Hartt's Shipyard, Boston, Mass., under the supervision of George Claghorn with Captain Samuel Nicholson as inspector. She was launched on 21 October 1797 and christened by Captain James Sever.
Into the trim frigate's construction went timbers from States ranging from Maine to Georgia, as well as copper bolts and spikes supplied by Paul Revere. A ship of beauty, power, and speed thus was fashioned as a national expression of growing naval interest, and a symbol auguring the dedication, courage, and achievement of American fighting men and ships.
Constitution put to sea on 22 July 1798, commanded by Captain Samuel Nicholson, the first of many illustrious commanding officers. Following her trial runs in August, she was readied for action in the Quasi-War with France and ordered to patrol for French armed ships between Cape Henry and Florida. One year later she became flagship on the Santo Domingo station, making several captures including the 24-gun privateer Niger, the Spender, and the letter-of marque Sandwich. At war's end, Constitution returned to the Charleston Navy Yard where she was placed in ordinary.
In 1803 amid growing demand for tribute and increasing seizures by the Barbary pirates, Constitution was recommissioned under Captain Edward Preble and sailed as flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron on 14 August. Preble took command of the squadron and vigorously brought the war to Tripoli, executing well-laid plans with brilliant success. On Constitution's decks tactics for destroying the captured frigate, Philadelphia, were laid as well as those for blockading and assaulting the fortifications of Tripoli. The small United States fleet on 3 and 7 August 1804 bombarded the enemy's ships and shore batteries with telling results.
Commodore Samuel Barron and later Captain John Rodgers were next to command the squadron and Constitution, continuing to blockade and take prizes. Naval action thus generated a favorable climate for the negotiation of peace terms with Algiers, ending for a time our tribute payments. After the Tunisians agreed to similar terms in August, Constitution spent 2 years patrolling in maintenance of the peace. She sailed for home under Captain Hugh Campbell and arrived Boston in November 1807. Placed out of commission, the frigate was repaired in the succeeding 2 years.
In August 1809 she was recommissioned and became flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron, Commodore J. Rodgers, and in 1810 Isaac Hull was appointed her captain. The following year she carried U.S. Minister, Joel Barlow, to France and returned to Washington in March 1812 for overhaul. War with Britain impended and Constitution was readied for action. On 20 June 1812 the declaration of war was read to her assembled crew and on 12 July she took the sea under Captain Hull to rejoin the squadron of Commodore J. Rodgers.
On 17 July Constitution sighted five ships in company; supposing them to be Rodger's squadron, Hull attempted to join up. By the following morning, however, the group was identified as a powerful British squadron which included the frigates Guerriere and Shannon. The wind failed, becalming within range of the enemy who opened fire. Disaster threatened until Captain Hull astutely towed, wetted sails, and kedged to draw the ship slowly ahead of her pursuers. For 2 days all hands were on deck in this desperate and successful attempt at escape, a splendid example of resolute command, superior seamanship, and indefatigable effort.
During the war, Constitution ran the blockade at Boston on seven occasions and made five cruises ranging from Halifax, Nova Scotia, south to Guiana and east to Portugal. She captured, burned, or sent in as prizes nine merchantmen and five ships of war. Departing Boston on 2 August she sailed to the coast of Nova Scotia, where she captured and destroyed two British trading ships. Cruising off the Gulf of St. Lawrence on 19 August, she caught sight of Guerriere, a fast British frigate mounting 49 guns. Guerriere opened the action, pouring out shot which fell harmlessly into the sea or glanced ineffcetively from the hull of Constitution whose cheering crew bestowed on her the famous nickname "Old Ironsides," which has stirred generations of Americans. As the ships drew abreast, Hull gave the command to fire and successive broadsides razed Guerriere's mizzen mast, damaging her foremast, and cut away most of her rigging. Guerriere's bowsprit fouled the lee rigging of Constitution, and both sides attempted to board, but the heavy seas prevented it. As the ships separated Guerriere fired point blank into the cabin of Constitution and set it on fire, but the flames were quickly extinguished. Guerriere's foremast and mainmast went by the board and she wa
|
Free Domestic Shipping
