Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
USS Constitution
Artifact IDMO 1942.203.2
Object Type
Model
Gifter
Margaret Clyde
Date1929
Mediumwood, paint, metal, string
Dimensionsoverall (ship on base) H 24 1/2 in x W 26 in x D 9 in (62.2 cm x 66 cm x 22.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA ship model of the frigate, USS CONSTITUTION. The ship has a black and bronze wood hull, elaborate rigging, forgings made of metal, no sails, and American flag flying at the stern. The ship is affixed to a small wooden base to which is attached a circular brass seal, in the form of a ship's wheel, with an image of the ship. Also attached to the base are a pair of small brass cannons, and a brass plaque reading: THIS MATERIAL WAS TAKEN FROM / THE ORIGINAL HULL OF U. S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION / KEEL LAID 1794 REBUILDING 1927.
Another plaque on the opposite side of the base contains lengthier information on the model: THIS MODEL OF THE U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, "OLD / IRONSIDES" BUILD TO A SCALE OF ONE-TENTH INCH TO / THE FOOT, IS CONSTRUCTED OF MATERIALS SALVAGED FROM THE ORIGINAL SHIP DURING PROCESS OF RECONSTR / UCTION AT THE BOSTON NAVY YARD AND SUPPLIED BY / LIEUT. T.E. RENAKER WITH PERMISSION OF THE REAR ADMIRAL / PHILIP ANDREWS. / THE HULL AND SPARS ARE FROM HARD PINE PLANKING. / ALL THE FITTINGS ARE OF METAL, USING COPPER SHEATHING / FROM THE SHIP'S BOTTOM, LEAD LINING FROM THE MAGAZINE / OR COPPER FRAME BOLT FORGED BY PAUL REVERE. / MODEL BUILT BY S.B. HOOD, PIEDMONT, CALIF. 1929.
Historical NoteThis model of the USS CONSTITUTION was constructed with material taken from the ship’s original 18th century hull when it underwent restoration at the Boston Navy Yard. It was presented to President Roosevelt as a birthday gift by Mrs. William G. Clyde of Ventnor, New Jersey on January 30, 1942.Another plaque on the opposite side of the base contains lengthier information on the model: THIS MODEL OF THE U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, "OLD / IRONSIDES" BUILD TO A SCALE OF ONE-TENTH INCH TO / THE FOOT, IS CONSTRUCTED OF MATERIALS SALVAGED FROM THE ORIGINAL SHIP DURING PROCESS OF RECONSTR / UCTION AT THE BOSTON NAVY YARD AND SUPPLIED BY / LIEUT. T.E. RENAKER WITH PERMISSION OF THE REAR ADMIRAL / PHILIP ANDREWS. / THE HULL AND SPARS ARE FROM HARD PINE PLANKING. / ALL THE FITTINGS ARE OF METAL, USING COPPER SHEATHING / FROM THE SHIP'S BOTTOM, LEAD LINING FROM THE MAGAZINE / OR COPPER FRAME BOLT FORGED BY PAUL REVERE. / MODEL BUILT BY S.B. HOOD, PIEDMONT, CALIF. 1929.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 25, 1942. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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