Jonah Patel
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Launched in 1797, it is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The USS Constitution was originally rated as a 44-gun frigate but typically carried around 54 guns. During the War of 1812, the ship mounted a variety of weapons, including muskets, rifles, cutlasses, pikes, pistols, and cannons. Today, the guns aboard the USS Constitution are replicas, with the exception of two 1812-era replica carronades on the after quarter deck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch year | 1797 |
| Type | Three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate |
| Armament | 44-gun frigate, typically carried around 54 guns |
| Guns | 24 32-pound carronades, 18-pound "chase" gun, 30 24-pound long guns |
| Small arms | Muskets, rifles, pistols |
| Edged weapons | Cutlasses, pikes |
| Current guns | Replicas, not originals |
| Recent restoration | 2015-2017 |
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What You'll Learn
USS Constitution's original and modern armament
USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, first launched in 1797. It was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794, which created the new United States Navy.
Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be the main ships of the young Navy, so Constitution and its sister ships were larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period. Rated as a 44-gun frigate, the USS Constitution typically carried around 54 guns. During the War of 1812, it mounted twenty-four 32-pound carronades on the spar deck, a long 18-pound “chase” gun forward, and thirty 24-pound long guns on the gun deck.
In 1857, Constitution was moved to dry dock for conversion into a training ship, and its armament was reduced to only 16 guns. By 1883, it had been turned into barracks and a “receiving ship,” so its guns were no longer necessary. The ship's first 20th-century restoration was in 1906-1907, and fifty-five replica guns were made for it. All of the present guns are replicas, cast for the 1927-1931 restoration, except for two 1812-era replica carronades on the after quarter deck, cast in 1981. These carronades are closer to Constitution‘s 1812 spar deck armament. The replica long guns and their carriages were refurbished during the 2015-2017 restoration.
Today, Constitution’s guns are replicas, not originals, and a modern 40 mm (1.6 in) saluting gun was hidden inside the forward long gun on each side during its 1973–1976 restoration to restore the capability of firing ceremonial salutes.
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Guns and cannons
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797.
The Constitution was originally rated as a 44-gun frigate but typically carried around 54 guns. During the War of 1812, it mounted twenty-four 32-pound carronades on the spar deck, a long 18-pound "chase" gun forward, and thirty 24-pound long guns on the gun deck.
All of the guns aboard the Constitution have been replicas since its 1927-1931 restoration, with most of them cast in 1930. Two carronades on the spar deck were cast in 1983, and these are closer to the ship's 1812 armament. During its 1973-1976 restoration, a modern 40 mm (1.6 in) saluting gun was hidden inside the forward long gun on each side to restore the capability of firing ceremonial salutes.
In addition to its cannons, a well-appointed American warship in 1812 typically carried small arms and edged weapons, including muskets, cutlasses, pikes, and pistols. The Constitution, as a large ship, would have required at least 156 muskets, 156 cutlasses, 208 pikes, and 104 pistols. These weapons played a vital role in close-quarters fighting, with marines and specially trained seamen using them to target the enemy's deck as the ships drew near.
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Small arms and edged weapons
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797.
A well-appointed American warship in 1812 typically carried three muskets, three cutlasses, four pikes, and two pistols for every two guns (cannons). Given that the USS Constitution was a large ship, carrying around 54 guns, it would have required a substantial number of small arms and edged weapons. It is estimated that the ship would have needed at least 156 muskets, 156 cutlasses, 208 pikes, and 104 pistols.
Today, the USS Constitution's guns are replicas, with the present guns cast during the 1927-1931 restoration. Two 1812-era replica carronades on the after quarter deck, cast in 1981, are the exception, more closely resembling the ship's original armament.
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Muskets, rifles, and pistols
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797.
When it comes to the small arms carried by personnel aboard the USS Constitution, muskets, rifles, and pistols played a vital role in engaging with enemy vessels at close quarters. As the range between warships closed during a battle, Marines and trained seamen used muskets and rifles to fire upon the opposing deck. The exposed men on the spar deck relied on the bulwarks and hammock nettings to intercept fire from above.
A well-appointed American warship in 1812 typically carried three muskets, three cutlasses, four pikes, and two pistols for every two guns (cannons). Given that the USS Constitution was a large ship, carrying around 54 guns, it would have required at least 156 muskets, 156 cutlasses, 208 pikes, and 104 pistols. These small arms were crucial for the ship's defence, especially during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, when the ship captured numerous British merchant vessels and warships.
Today, the guns aboard the USS Constitution are replicas, with most of them cast during the 1927-1931 restoration. The replica long guns and carronades were installed during this period, and they continue to be refurbished during subsequent restorations. The methods used for restoration have remained consistent over the decades, ensuring the preservation of this historic warship.
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Weapons for close-quarters combat
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797.
When it comes to close-quarters combat, small arms and edged weapons are vital for engaging with an enemy vessel's personnel. As the range between warships closes during battle, marines and specially trained seamen would use muskets and rifles to target the opposing deck. With limited cover on the exposed spar deck, the defenders would rely on the bulwarks and hammock nettings to intercept incoming fire.
Wooden ships were rarely sunk by long-range bombardment, and many battles were decided by boarding. As the hulls of the ships collided, the cry of "Boarders away!" would ring out. The designated boarders would rush to arm themselves with pistols, cutlasses, and pikes, while the marines focused their fire on the enemy's deck at the intended boarding point.
A well-appointed American warship in 1812 typically carried three muskets, three cutlasses, four pikes, and two pistols for every two guns (cannons). Given its size, the USS Constitution would have required a minimum of 156 muskets, 156 cutlasses, 208 pikes, and 104 pistols. These small arms and edged weapons were crucial in ship-to-ship combat, and their effectiveness depended on the armorer or gunner's maintenance and the challenging conditions at sea.
Today, the USS Constitution's guns are replicas, with the present ones cast during the 1927-1931 restoration. Two 1812-era replica carronades on the after quarter deck, cast in 1981, are the closest to the ship's original armament.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. In terms of firearms, the ship carried a mix of muskets, rifles, cutlasses, pikes, and pistols.
The small arms and edged weapons played a vital role in engaging with enemy vessels at close quarters. As the range between warships closed during a battle, Marines and trained seamen would use their firearms to target the opponent's deck.
As a large ship, the USS Constitution required a significant number of firearms. Typically, a well-appointed American warship in 1812 would have three muskets, three cutlasses, four pikes, and two pistols for every two guns (cannons). Proportionally, the USS Constitution would have carried at least 156 muskets, 156 cutlasses, 208 pikes, and 104 pistols.
The guns on the USS Constitution have been replicas since its 1927-1931 restoration. The replica long guns and carronades underwent refurbishment during the 2015-2017 restoration, where they were stripped of their paint and recoated with a new protective layer.
