A 19th century American boarding pike

M ELEY · 18th May 2021, 08:45 PM

Wow, Rick! I didn't know about the red color scheme! As Jim pointed out, quite grim, yet isn't the color red supposed to fire up the senses as well? Good for battle, perhaps?
I remember reading about the assortment of paints used not only for ships, but houses of the colonial era. There were really only about eight or ten primary colors. I had gotten interestd when i saw a Prussian coehorn cannon late 18th that was painted a garish powder blue. After doing research, I found out it was the real color for that regiment!! White paint back in the day quickly faded to a yellow, including on ships. The 'red' color of the day was typically a barn red and not the cherry red we think of. Ships were trypically only painted perhaps two colors (white and black, black and yellow, etc) unless a grand ship-of-the-line, such as the Vasa (pictured in all of it's excesses!). I'm thinking perhps the pikes might have been painted to match the surrounding vessel, but I am only guessing at that!

Rick · 18th May 2021, 10:50 PM

I saw her after she had been raised at the Vasa museum back in 63-64; to see her in the flesh so to speak was fascinating.

M ELEY · 19th May 2021, 12:13 AM

That is incredible, Rick! I'd love to see her in real life and green with envy you were there. Of course, the pic I posted was a painted model with the real ship in the background, but still, to see the intricate carving even over the gun ports. Incredible! Most of the fighting ships had but a few primary colors and not as flashy as the Vasa.

Bob A · 19th May 2021, 12:39 AM

Doubtless you've all heard the story about the naval captain and his red shirt?

Rick · 19th May 2021, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob A

Doubtless you've all heard the story about the naval captain and his red shirt?

Arrhh, a tale from the poop deck I'll warrant.

18th May 2021, 08:45 PM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Wow, Rick! I didn't know about the red color scheme! As Jim pointed out, quite grim, yet isn't the color red supposed to fire up the senses as well? Good for battle, perhaps? I remember reading about the assortment of paints used not only for ships, but houses of the colonial era. There were really only about eight or ten primary colors. I had gotten interestd when i saw a Prussian coehorn cannon late 18th that was painted a garish powder blue. After doing research, I found out it was the real color for that regiment!! White paint back in the day quickly faded to a yellow, including on ships. The 'red' color of the day was typically a barn red and not the cherry red we think of. Ships were trypically only painted perhaps two colors (white and black, black and yellow, etc) unless a grand ship-of-the-line, such as the Vasa (pictured in all of it's excesses!). I'm thinking perhps the pikes might have been painted to match the surrounding vessel, but I am only guessing at that! Attached Images Last edited by M ELEY; 18th May 2021 at 08:51 PM. Reason: Added comment

18th May 2021, 10:50 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	I saw her after she had been raised at the Vasa museum back in 63-64; to see her in the flesh so to speak was fascinating.

19th May 2021, 12:13 AM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	That is incredible, Rick! I'd love to see her in real life and green with envy you were there. Of course, the pic I posted was a painted model with the real ship in the background, but still, to see the intricate carving even over the gun ports. Incredible! Most of the fighting ships had but a few primary colors and not as flashy as the Vasa.

19th May 2021, 12:39 AM	#4
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 435	Doubtless you've all heard the story about the naval captain and his red shirt?