Real Battleship Portholes - Shiny Brass?

[Captain Slog]

Hi,

 

I am nearing the stage where I will be skinning up the hull of my card Bismarck.

 

I plan on punching out the portholes on the hull and superstructure sides and using black film behind but I also have tiny brass photo-etch portholes to place round the hole.

 

My question is were the portholes on real ships left shiny brass on both the hull and superstructure or should I paint them gray to match the ship.

 

I can imagine the ones on the superstructure were but not sure about the hull sides.  Most photos are black and white and hard to tell and the models where they were replaced and left brass appear jarring to the eye sometimes.

 

I would think having the crew polish brass would be a good way to keep idle hands busy but...

 

Cheers

Slog

[mtaylor]

Slog,

 

It might be that the hull ones were painted and then the ones on the superstructure were polished but I have no first hand knowledge other than the Navy and Marines like polished brass.  Or maybe it's the brass like polished brass?     

 

I was on a carrier but all the portholes were painted.  This was in the late 60's.

[Captain Slog]

I should add that I purchased Pontos brass photo etch detail set for my model-

 

 

http://www.bnamodelworld.com/mk1-design/md-20002

Hi Brian, the Pontos set is beautiful here is a link to a webship where the thread covers the development of the set by Pontos

http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=123012&start=120

 

I have some photo etch porthole in 1.6mm, 1.8mm and 2mm diameters.  There are 500 portholes per sheet and works out around A$7.50 for each sheet.

 

It might be that the hull ones were painted and then the ones on the superstructure were polished 

Hi Mark, my thinking was heading down this track also.

 

I have read that prior to WWI painting was also a favourite past time as was cleaning away coal dust   Appearances to keep up etc, it's a pity gunnery practice was lacking, apparently dirtied the ships to much 

 

Slog

[jburchfield1@wowway.com]

Slog,

 

It might be that the hull ones were painted and then the ones on the superstructure were polished but I have no first hand knowledge other than the Navy and Marines like polished brass.  Or maybe it's the brass like polished brass?     

 

I was on a carrier but all the portholes were painted.  This was in the late 60's.

 

Army too.  Can't tell you how much brass I had to polish during my 8 years.

 

Used to say, "If it ain't attached, pick it up - if it is attached, paint it - if it's brass, polish it".

Edited September 6, 2014 by Pops

[AntonyUK]

Hi.

From what I have read..

During the second world war the British Navy had to paint ALL brass and shiny objects .

This was done to stop reflection and the ship being spotted.

All the paintwork was supposed to be non reflective paint...

 

Regards Antony.

[Captain Slog]

Hi.

From what I have read..

During the second world war the British Navy had to paint ALL brass and shiny objects .

This was done to stop reflection and the ship being spotted.

All the paintwork was supposed to be non reflective paint...

 

Regards Antony.

That makes sense.

 

Thank you all gentlemen for the input.  Painted it is!

 

Thanks for that link Brian ( http://www.bnamodelworld.com/ ) that's a great site.  I can see it getting plenty of custom from me.  I assume you are a happy customer with them?

 

Cheers

Slog 

Edited September 6, 2014 by Captain Slog

[bogeygolpher]

I agree with Antony 100%.

 

Your battleship will not be very stealthy out in the ocean if you have lots of reflective surfaces.

[mtaylor]

There's two words I never thought I hear in the same sentence:  "battleship" and "stealthy".       I think the early version of "Don't look conspicuous - it draws fire.  That's why aircraft carriers are called bomb magnets." had battleship instead of aircraft carriers.

[jud]

Used to hear about Strip Ship, it was supposedly done prior to expected battle or operating on a war footing. Was told that all paint was chipped from decks, bulkheads and overheads to reduce fumes and fuel in case of fire. I expect weather decks were left painted and any reflective surfaces were painted or removed. All missile hazards were removed from the ship or stored in a secure locker, larger objects were well secured to the ship structure. Bedding and clothing that, if loose would plug pumps were stored securely.  Sounded like a hard way to live to me but I never lived it. During the Cuban Missile crisis I was wondering if the chipping hammers would be coming out and our walk about ceramic coffee mugs, that most PO carried,  would be banned. I suppose all combat ships polished their bright work during peaceful times and show the flag trips but it was all painted over or dulled if they expected to be shot at.

jud

Edited September 7, 2014 by jud

[BANYAN]

The amount of 'pretty work' depended on the era/state of hostilities.  In peace time, especially when showing the flag in foreign ports, a lot of pretty work was done to the ships with superstructure portholes polished, along with any other brass fittings (including fire hose nozzles and the like); even bollards and fairleads were painted white to get that 'pristine' dressed up look.  That all changed during wartime where any polished surface was a source for reflections that at the right angles could attract unwanted eyes (from aircraft, submarines or other ships).  All white and polished surfaces were painted over with grey and minimal (read only essential maintenance/ship's husbandry was undertaken when operational.  We would even cover the porthole/window glass with a coat of black paint sometimes.

 

If you are depicting a ship in its operational role then the minimal contrast/minimal reflective surface approach would be correct. As the Bismark was launched in 1939 and was operational almost immediately, this supports Brian's comment re painted surfaces?

 

cheers

 

Pat

[popeye2sea]

From what I remember of the portholes on the ships I served on, none of the hinged portions of the ports or the dead lights were on the outside of the bulkhead. The only thing you saw from the outside was the hole surrounded by a ring of bolt heads, all of which were painted to match the hull or bulkhead.  All of the brass parts were inboard and depending on where you were in the ship were highly polished, i.e: the ones in the wardroom vs. those in a less important passageway.

 

The interior portions consisted of two covers hinged at the top.  One was the glass (the light) and the other was a steel cover (the dead light).  The four brass dogs went through slots on both.  A hook above the porthole secured the cover or light when opened.

[Aladean]

Hello Model Ship Enthusiasts,

I must say, this discussion on real battleship portholes and their intricate brass designs is absolutely fascinating! The passion and dedication everyone here shows towards preserving and appreciating these maritime treasures is truly inspiring.

Speaking of exquisite craftsmanship, I recently came across a collection that I believe many of you would appreciate. If you have a moment, do check out the stunning ship portholes at Aladean. Their collection features beautifully crafted brass portholes that capture the elegance and authenticity of historical maritime designs.

 

https://aladean.com/collections/ship-porthole-manufacturer-wholesale-supplier

 

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for these nautical gems. Your insights have truly enriched my appreciation for maritime history. Happy sailing, and I hope you find as much joy in exploring Aladean's collection as I have!

Warm regards,