The oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world, USS Constitution was one of the six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. This wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy warship of the United States Navy was named after the US Constitution and is also known as “Old Ironsides”.

Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts from the resilient lumber of 2,000 live oak trees. She and her sisters were larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of the period, as they were designed to be the Navy's capital ships. Constitution's design was also unique for its time because of a diagonal cross-bracing of the ship's skeleton that contributed considerably to the ship's structural strength.

Old Ironsides was launched in 1797 and put to sea July 22, 1798. She saw her first service patrolling the southeast coast of the United States during the Quasi-War with France. In 1803, she was designated flagship for the Mediterranean Squadron and went to serve against the Barbary States of North Africa. On the afternoon of August 19, 1812, Constitution's historic fight with HMS Guerriere took place some 600 miles east of Nova Scotia. After an hour of inconclusive maneuvering and shooting, the two warships settled down to a short-range slugfest. Guerriere was so badly damaged that she had to be sunk after the surviving crew was brought onboard Constitution.

Today, Constitution is considered the most famous vessel in American naval history. Each year she promotes the Navy to millions of visitors and observers each year. A crew of 55 sailors participates in cermonies, educational programs and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round and providing free tours.

At Maritime Modelworks, we bring ordinary wood models to life. Each museum quality USS Constitution ship model is created step-by-step meticulously. No machines are involved in the process; everything is made by hand. Skilled craftsmen chip away at a piece of mahogany until a ship appears, which is then sanded and puttied. The hull of the vessel is made of strong copper clad material. Hand-casted resin and handmade metal parts are also added. Gifted artists paint on the colors and all details, no matter how big or small. Afterwards, clear lacquer is applied for protection. Each model ship is complemented with a handsome display base with brass pedestals and a brass name plate. Products are always double-checked before being delivered to customers in sturdy wood crates via FedEx Next Day Air.