A 19th century American boarding pike

CutlassCollector · 18th May 2021, 11:43 AM

Great display Mark. I like pikes almost as much as axes.

It must have been a lot of work to shave/turn that whole length of shaft from a diameter large enough to get all the nuances of tapering and swelling. Does that suggest that it was made in one of the naval yards? A big difference between it and the diameter of the one behind it.

CC

M ELEY · 18th May 2021, 04:39 PM

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 · 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?

Rick · 18th May 2021, 05:23 PM

Quote:

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 · 18th May 2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Yes, that's true.

Was the reason actually the obvious? Sounds pretty grim.

Rick · 18th May 2021, 06:01 PM

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 · 18th May 2021, 07:02 PM

Quote:

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.

18th May 2021, 11:43 AM	#1
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 343	Great display Mark. I like pikes almost as much as axes. It must have been a lot of work to shave/turn that whole length of shaft from a diameter large enough to get all the nuances of tapering and swelling. Does that suggest that it was made in one of the naval yards? A big difference between it and the diameter of the one behind it. CC

18th May 2021, 04:39 PM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	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.

18th May 2021, 05:03 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	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, 06:01 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	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?