1931 Old Ironside USS Constitution National Tour Rebuilding Cruise

Date: 1931
Artist: Patterson, Charles Robert
Size (in): 39.125 x 28
Size (cm): 99.4 x 71.1
Condition: B
Linen backed: Yes

This vintage original and rare poster features artwork by noted maritime artist Charles Robert Patterson and was issued to promote the 1931 national cruise of the newly refurbished USS Constitution, later known as Old Ironsides, a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate launched in 1797 during the presidency of George Washington which remains today as the oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.

Between 1925 and 1930 Old Ironsides underwent a major renovation that was widely supported by donations from Americans from all over the country and all walks of life. When the renovations were completed the ship was sent on a cruise, towed by the US Navy minesweeper USS Grebe, all along the East, Gulf and West Coasts stopping at 70 ports-of-call along the way to the great adulation of the American public. This poster is a vintage original used to promote that 1931 tour with text that reads:

OLD IRONSIDES U.S. Frigate Constitution – Will visit this port on her first cruise since rebuilding See newspapers for Dates – BE SURE TO VISIT HER

This vintage original poster has been professionally linen backed. Two small punctures near each of the upper corners have been expertly repaired as have a few short tears on the edges and small abrasions in the image area. This rare poster displays beautifully and overall condition is very good.