A 19th century American boarding pike

[M ELEY]

Hello, CC. Yes, these later model pikes had very hefty shafts indeed! Excellent question regarding who made the poles. One that I don't have a clue! I know you've asked this same question before in regards to boarding ax hafts. Were they made in a lathing shop on the compounds of naval yards or subletted out? If they were made by a local lathing or furnature factory, there must have been specifications to how thick, how long, etc. It would seem that they were definitely painted by the navymen using the classic paint colors of the day.

[Jim McDougall]

Just a question regarding the colors on these pikes, it seems there was a range of colors, black, red, white , green, ochre etc.

Is it possible that these had to do with positioning in the arms stores aboard, with colors to key areas?

I know that cannon were marked in accord with position aboard the ship, sort of a weight and balance matter, and that was one reason for the weight being marked on each gun.

While on the topic of colors, I recall reading years ago, of gun decks being painted red. Was this a genuine situation, or naval lore?

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

While on the topic of colors, I recall reading years ago, of gun decks being painted red. Was this a genuine situation, or naval lore?

Yes, that's true.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Rick

Yes, that's true.

Was the reason actually the obvious? Sounds pretty grim.

[Rick]

It was a bit of psychology in action.
Say you painted the gun decks white; can you imagine what the effects of seeing those walls covered in your mess mates' gore would have on you?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Rick

It was a bit of psychology in action.
Say you painted the gun decks white; can you imagine what the effects of seeing those walls covered in your mess mates' gore would have on you?

Yup! not a good effect!
Its odd though, psychologically to paint rooms red in homes, offices etc. is thought to effect the senses aggressively causing anxiety, tension etc.
But surely that is an entirely different context and atmosphere.

[Rick]

They used to refer to the lower gun deck as the Slaughterhouse, and with good reason. It really must have been a hellish place during battle.

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Yup! not a good effect!
Its odd though, psychologically to paint rooms red in homes, offices etc. is thought to effect the senses aggressively causing anxiety, tension etc.
But surely that is an entirely different context and atmosphere.

Is it possible the color was simply a result of using red lead to paint the surfaces? A good coating of red lead on the timbers of the gun deck could have rendered them more fire retardant. Additionally, given the wear and tear of that deck with powder residue and heavy pieces of iron rolling around, some thick coats of red lead would have made the whole area hold up better. If this be the case, the color wasn't intentional - It is simply the color of the oxidized lead.