| USS Constitution | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
War of 1812, Battle with Guerriere |
|
Type |
Naval ship |
|
Effects |
Transfers the toughness of guns and iron to the crew |
|
Activation |
Being in a conflict |
|
Collected by |
H.G. Wells |
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
Drake-32 |
|
Dock Station & Buoy No. |
12/1 |
|
Date of Collection |
April 13, 1890 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
The USS Constitution (No classification) is the oldest U.S. Navy vessel and remains in active service to this day. The vessel was ordered in March 1794 and was launched in October 1797. Costing a little over $300,000 in 1797. It was one of three completed vessels from the Naval Act of 1794 and was named by President Washington. Even though it is rated as a 44-gun ship, it often carried over 50 guns at a time. While it remains in active service, its restoration in the late 1920s removed all working weaponry and replaced it with replicas. During its restoration in the 1970s, a saluting gun was added to allow the Constitution to give ceremonial salutes. Its stated mission is " to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events."
The USS Constitution is nicknamed "Old Ironsides" after its battle with the British Navy Vessel Guerriere in the War of 1812. It was noted by several crew members that some of the Guerriere's shots were bouncing off the sides of the Constitution, and one sailor shouted, "Hurrah! Her sides are made of iron!"
Effects[]
Infused with the toughness of iron and the strength of 44 guns, which can be transferred to the crew of the ship during battles. The effects wear off after the battle is over.
Collection and Use[]
The ship was collected in 1890 by Helena G. Wells. During the transfer of vessels to Warehouse 13, the pirate Dan Seavey began attacking the vessels moving artifacts and stole many. After multiple attacks, the Warehouse used the USS Constitution to protect the ships traveling across the Atlantic. In order to keep its collection secret, they would land the vessel in areas without any major military or government locations so that people would be unaware that this USS Constitution was not the replica sailing the oceans.
A companion artifact to the ship was discovered in 2011: the USS Constitution Walking Stick. The artifact was formed during a retrofitting of the ship, and it became an artifact separate from the ship but with similar properties. Agents have found that the Walking Stick's properties are amplified when used with the Constitution.