Urban Gardini
The instructions in your box could've been replaced at some time by a previous owner.

Keith K Автор
I thought about that, but the kit was sealed. Now, I wouldn't put it past someone to reseal a box, but that seems a lot of work for a $66 kit. Everything in the box is pristine, except for the vacuform sails. They had a few dimples but I expect them to smooth right out.

Troy W
I assume (based on other multiple release kits) 1974 is the date when something changed in the previous '69 release, or the first release with that version of the instructions (the earlier versions likely having different art on the instructions), 1976 is the new art (this rebox listing). 1987 makes me feel there yours was resealed with new instructions (this versions box art would be an oddity in 1987 (however not impossible)) ~ I know some toy stores here in the 80's were able to reseal kits, so it is not unlikely, and may have been sealed for years.
Another angle is that Revell did list a 1/96 USS Constitution in their catalogs around the '87~88 period, same number H398 (it is not listed on scalemates currently ~ so maybe the box art wasn't changed?).
Troy

Keith K Автор
Yes, the 74 kit added sails. I found a video review and took a screenshot of the box. It is definitely different than the 76. The tell is the little liberty bell above the Revell badge on the top. Also, the 74 included a little ship's history booklet. I suspect I have a kit from the 87 timeframe, but no different than the 76 kit, except they had to print more instruction sheets and updated the date on the sheet. I have added the 74 and will add the latest release (2014) with completely rewritten build and rigging instructions based on the years of customer calls to their hotline.

Twotoes
Hello, in 1986 Revell, Monogram merged under new ownership. ( Revell-Monogram 1986-2007 ) All of Revell assets were moved from Venice California to Des Plaines Illinois, then closed the Venice plant. 1987 Revell-Monogram Rekit #0398 (Revell H-398) is made in Ill. Not in Cal. Even though the box lid side Venice Cal. and Kit #H-398 say different. On 1987 instruction sheets printed to the top left Kit #0398, across to the right made in Ill. At this time still made in USA. On the Inside and bottom ends you will find 0398-XXXX perforated in the box.