Built as a light cruiser/training vessel by Forges et Chantiers de La Mediterranée, La Seyne near Toulon for the Brazilian Navy.
18 November 1891 keel laid down.
11 October 1892 launched under the name BENJAMIN CONSTANT, named after the first Minister of War and Public Instructions in the first Republican Government of Brazil, Benjamin Constant (1836 – 1891).
Displacement 2.750 ton. Dim. 74 x 13.9 x 6m. (draught)
Armament 4 – 6 inch, 8 – 4.7 inch, 2 – 12pdr. and 2 – 1pdr. guns, 4 torpedo tubes 14 inch above water.
Powered by triple expansion steam engines, 4.000 hp., speed 15 knots. Twin screws.
Bunker capacity 260 tons coal.
Ship rigged, sail area 1800 square meter.
She was fitted with a ram bow.
Crew 380.
Because of a revolt in the Brazilian Navy she did not sail from Toulon until 1894.
Used by the Brazilian Navy as a training vessel.
1904 Was refitted to use her as a minesweeper when the need would arise.
1911 By the builder modernized, the four 6 inch guns were removed.
22 February 1926 during a public auction sold for scrap.
On Brazil 1982 24cr sg1995.
Source: Jane’s 1914. Navicula. Log Book. Brazilian Navy web-site.