A 19th century American boarding pike

Jim McDougall · 18th May 2021, 05:03 PM

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?

18th May 2021, 05:03 PM	#12
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	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?