The Sailing frigate classification system used during the 19th Century was a classification scheme used in several western countries. It was officially adopted by the United States Navy. The system classified sailing frigates according to their gun rating.
Type | Maximum Gun Rating | Minimum Gun Rating | Gun Decks (Including main deck) |
---|---|---|---|
First Class | 50 [1] | 42 [2] | 2 [2] |
Second Class | 36 [2] | 28 [2] | 1 or 2 [2] |
Third Class | 24 [2] | 20 [2] | 1 [2] |
The United States Navy used this classification system officially, beginning at least by 1825.[3] The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, an international organization of naval architects, also adopted the system, beginning in 1860.[1]
The United States adopted a new rating system during the American Civil War, based on the thrown weight of broadsides.[4] By 1875, this system was replaced by a system of steam warship classification based on tonnage.[5]