Does anyone know what this rigging is called?

[RobMann79]

I need help with how to tie this , but I do not know what it is called. Any help would be appreciated!

[Ferrus Manus]

Those are called crowsfeet, and they are intended to balance out the tension on various lines. In this case, the crowsfeet are used to equally distribute the tension from the stay across the fighting top. 

[popeye2sea]

Actually, the function of the these crowsfeet is to prevent the topsail from getting caught beneath the top.

 

Regards,

 

Henry

[Gregory]

15 minutes ago, Ferrus Manus said:

Those are called crowsfeet, and they are intended to balance out the tension on various lines. In this case, the crowsfeet are used to equally distribute the tension from the stay across the fighting top. 

I have never heard that explanation before.

 

In this discussion:

Question on use of crowsfeet on ship rigged vessels - Masting, rigging and sails - Model Ship World™

 

It is suggested that " ..Crowsfeet were designed to prevent the foot of the fore and main topsails from getting caught under the tops. "

 

That is what I have always understood their purpose to be.

 

This image from another discussion, shows how it was rigged.

 

Here is another post that shows a little more detail of how it was rigged.

 

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/2293-rattlesnake-by-jsgerson-finished-mamoli-164-using-robert-hunt’s-practicum/?do=findComment&comment=333009

[JerryTodd]

If your model is post 1800ish - it mostly likely didn't have this cat's cradle on it.

[Ferrus Manus]

In my experience rigging galleons, I have rigged crowsfeet an extensive number of times. However, I have never seen or used crowsfeet in this way. The way I understand them to be used is to distribute tension. It could be that this is a special application of crowsfeet, or that their function had completely changed by the 18th century. 

I could be wrong in my initial assessment in this case, and if I am, please disregard my initial reply. 

Edited yesterday at 02:59 AM by Ferrus Manus

[popeye2sea]

Crowsfeet in other applications are there to distribute the pull on another piece of the rigging.  For example, in the 1600's or so crowsfeet were rigged on spritsail backstays, some yard braces, mizzen topping lifts, etc.  Often the crowsfeet were employed where there would be excessive pull on another rope so as not to pull it out of alignment, ex. the spritsail topmast backstays pulling against the fore stays, or braces pulling against a shroud,  etc.

 

Regards,

 

Henry