The oldest commissioned warship still afloat, the frigate #USSConstitution is a living memorial to 19th c. naval combat. On #ThisDayInHistory in 1812, commanded by William Bainbridge, she captured in battle #HMSJava off the coast of Brazil following a three-hour exchange of fire.

⚓️ The Battle of the USS Constitution and the HMS Java

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#USSConstitution #NavalHistory #WarOf1812 #StampCollecting #AmericanHistory #HMSJava #NavalBattles #HistoryInStamps