When USS Essex engaged HMS. Alert in the Atlantic on August 13, 1812, she won the distinction of being the first Yankee warship to capture a ship of the Royal Navy during the war. During her first eight weeks at sea before that battle, USS Essex had taken nine British ships.

In a stunning feat of naval daring, Captain David Porter proceeded to carried off an extended cruise, far from American waters, repairing and provisioning both his own ship and those he had taken as prizes. During 17 months at sea he went on to sweep the vast reaches of the Pacific of British merchantmen, whalers, and warships, taking 16 vessels in all.

A British fleet was finally dispatched to pursue the Essex.  During a ferocious storm in the port of Valparaiso, Chile, USS Essex lost her topmast, putting her at a serious disadvantage in the gun battle.  She was pounded by two British frigates and finally had to lower her flag.  Her crew fought valiantly.  Of 255 men, 58 had been killed and 65 wounded. 

President Madison paid tribute to the USS Essex with his words "her loss is hidden in the blaze of heroism."

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USS Essex model features:

• Scratch-built

• Double plank-on-frame

• All parts are wooden or metal

• Copper-plated bottom: individual copper pieces that were weathered unevenly to create a realistic look

• Full number of boats 

• Blacken metal cannons and wooden carriage

• Wooden base

• 39 old-looking thin sails sails as the ship is at its top speed. Foremast and mainmast lower studding sails are all out.