Hawse Bucklers

[hollowneck]

I came across yet another question that I have concerning the specs for "bucklers", specifically, "hawse bucklers."

These were used to cover the hawse openings when the ship was under way in heavy seas and obviously, when anchors were heaved and secured.

 

My question is simple: what do these look like? How were they secured to the hawse openings? Did they have a gasket to seal them? Made of wood - or metal?

 

Thanks Mates.

[trippwj]

There were various styles used over the years.  For a description (and diagram of one type) see the attached PDF from 1835-ish

 

Hawse Bucklers 1835.pdf

[Modeler12]

Here is a picture of what they look like on the USS Constitution.

The one to the left has a very thin cord coming down and through the hawse to pull the buckler closed. While the one to the right has a similar cord coming through the hull above the hinge to open it. This is very similar to the gun ports.

I believe the black ring you see is a seal.

[hollowneck]

Wayne, Jay,

 

Thanks! This info is perfect for my purposes which is to add these features to my current build.

 

Ron

[garyshipwright]

Hi Hollowneck. Hawse Bucklers were board's that was put over the holes on the inside and was wedge in place with pieces of wood fitted in holes in the breast hooks, in Alfred time of 1780. They had two types, one was fitted for sea and the other had a hole in it for when they were at anchor. Here's a photo of Alfred's bucklers, one is solid and the other has a hole in it. They are made of two  wooden boards each fitted with a rabbet on the edge so they could be fitted and made water tight. Hum can't seem to find any photo's of this. Most of this infomation that I have on them came from the The Fully Framed Model, Volume II , so on this one the credit goes to David. Give me a little bit and will add some photo's. Hope this helps. Gary

Edited February 12, 2014 by garyshipwright

[allanyed]

Further to Gary's post, these were called half bucklers and  blind bucklers, the latter of which fully closed off the hawse hole inboard on British ships, at least in the 18th century and into the 19th century.  There may have been other methods, but this seems to have been at least one common method of keeping out the water.  The manger was present as well to help contain water (and mud, when the hawsers were brought in when raising the anchor)  There were relatively large scuppers in this area of the manger as well to let the water run off. 

Allan

[Modeler12]

Hi Hollowneck. Hawse Bucklers were board's that was put over the holes on the inside and was wedge in place with pieces of wood fitted in holes in the breast hooks, in Alfred time of 1780. They had two types, one was fitted for sea and the other had a hole in it for when they were at anchor. Here's a photo of Alfred's bucklers, one is solid and the other has a hole in it. They are made of two  wooden boards each fitted with a rabbet on the edge so they could be fitted and made water tight. Hum can't seem to find any photo's of this. Give me a little bit and will add some photo's. Hope this helps. Gary

Gary, I am still curious about the inside boards. You mention a picture. I missed that and I am curious about seeing how that works. My next model might have some of these features.

[druxey]

There's illustrations of bucklers in The Fully Framed Model, Volume II.

[garyshipwright]

Sorry Jay. Got a little busy but here is a couple of photo's showing them along with the scuppers and manger. Still some work going on in this area so forgive the mess. Hope it helps down the road. Gary

[Modeler12]

I see what you are referring to. The second and fourth pictures make it clear.

That way it was easier to manage the bucklers from the inside, rather than from the outside. Sealing would still have been more of a problem, I suppose.

 

Your build looks awesome. Keep up the great work.

I am curious what you are doing with all those pins. I will have to take a closer look at your log.

[garyshipwright]

Thanks Jay.As far as the pins, they are dress maker type pins and their size is usually the size of the bolt or treenail that replaces it when the part is attached for good. They help me align the parts and pieces during the building process. Gary

[Modeler12]

Ah, Gary, now I recognize the pins. They are the 'old fashioned' type rather than what my wife has in her sewing box.

 

I am enjoying your fantastic build and will have to absorb a lot for my Pelican, my next project.

[garyshipwright]

Thanks Jay and glad it will give you some ideal's for your Pelican. Those pins do help hold things in place thats for sure and the ones I use, once they are beat and bent up, the heads make real good door knob's. Gary

Edited February 12, 2014 by garyshipwright

[Modeler12]

Thanks Jay and glad it will give you some ideal's for your Pelican. Those pins do help hold things in place thats for sure and the ones I use, once they are beat and bent up, the heads make real good door knob's. Gary

Funny you should say that, Gary. I used the ones I showed above to make door knobs for the windmill I built some time ago.