Museum Collections
Luce Center
U.S. Frigate "Constitution" Commemorative Medal
Object Number:
1948.93a-c
Date:
ca. 1927
Medium:
Bronze; wood, brass
Dimensions:
Overall (plaque): 1 x 3 1/8 in. (2.5 x 7.9 cm)
Diameter: 2 1/2 in. ( 6.4 cm )
Mount: 4 11/16 x 5 1/16 x 7/8 in. ( 11
Description:
Bronze struck uniface medal depicting sailing ship at sea with surrounding legend: "OLD IRONSIDES/U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION"; inscription below image: "LAUNCHED 1797/1804 TRIPOLI 1812 GUERRIERE/JAVA/1815 CYANE/LEVANT." Medal is attached to wooden slab-like rectangular mount by two brass nails; below is rectangular brass plaque, likewise attached to the mount by two nails, bearing inscription: "THIS MATERIAL WAS TAKEN FROM/THE ORIGINAL HULL OF THE/U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION/KEEL LAID 1794 REBUILDING 1927."
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.