WW2JAKE Posted May 6, 2016 Share #1 Posted May 6, 2016 I'm a big fan of rope work used on Navy ships, In the past it was done with what was known as "Belfast Cord" which is no longer made. Belfast cord was a term applied to a hard laid three strand cotton line and was used for fancy work all over ships, being cotton it took very well to being dyed and even a finish being applied over it which lead to some stunning results. The things made from it could range from Bell ropes, to railing covers, even belts and lanyards.I thought some of you might have some images of it or even own some items made this way. so post away if you have it! I've been saving these and don't recall where they are all from. some have info on them.One of my absolute favorite pictures, a knife handle you can see it covering the railing behind these sailorsman on the far right has a nice lanyard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share #2 Posted May 6, 2016 some "ditty bags" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted May 6, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry K. Posted May 6, 2016 Share #4 Posted May 6, 2016 Nice bags! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share #5 Posted May 6, 2016 no info on the site but seems this has been on this entrance fence since ww2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted May 6, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share #7 Posted May 6, 2016 some black rope work still on the hand railing USS Massachusetts... who sits there doing this on ships? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted May 6, 2016 Share #8 Posted May 6, 2016 Amazing work....I have trouble just tyeing my shoes of the time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrobertscv Posted May 6, 2016 Share #9 Posted May 6, 2016 We have a local non-profit store that raises money for the hospice house here in town. This was donated for sale and I happened to walk in the day they put it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zsmith Posted May 6, 2016 Share #10 Posted May 6, 2016 I never liked the rope work on stair rails. The ones without it would get rubbed real smooth from all the hands running down them over the years. Those smooth ones were perfect for lifting up your feet, supporting yourself by just your arms, and "palm-sliding" down. That rope work ruins all the fun. Here's a good example (ladder going down to fwd compartment lower level on a 688 sub). You can kind of see how the top of the rail is shinier than the rest. I could get to the bottom of that ladder in about 0.7 seconds without using my feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikie Posted May 6, 2016 Share #11 Posted May 6, 2016 Amazing work....I have trouble just tyeing my shoes of the time... Ha! I was thinking the same thing. that is why I always wear slip-ons! Mikie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted May 8, 2016 Share #12 Posted May 8, 2016 I had a baton or billie club covered in the cordage at one time but this is all I have to post. A Mk11 Robeson Navy Knife.Handled has benn covered in knot work.I am guessing the steel butt cap broke off the knife as this was a weak point on the Robesons for some reason and the owner then covered it in knotted cord. Scabbard is decorated as well and appears to belonged to a Navy CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted May 8, 2016 Share #13 Posted May 8, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted October 21, 2016 Author Share #14 Posted October 21, 2016 Member awmartin just posted this one in the for sale section, was too good not to post here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themick Posted October 22, 2016 Share #15 Posted October 22, 2016 I remember my Dad telling me the only rope on a ship is the one attached to the ship's bell. Everything else was a line. As a Marine, he did three years seagoing on the USS Nevada 1936-1939, so he definitely knew his way around ships. Just thought I'd share that, for whatever it's worth. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WW2JAKE Posted October 22, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted October 22, 2016 I remember my Dad telling me the only rope on a ship is the one attached to the ship's bell. Everything else was a line. As a Marine, he did three years seagoing on the USS Nevada 1936-1939, so he definitely knew his way around ships. Just thought I'd share that, for whatever it's worth. Steve That is technically true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted October 23, 2016 Share #17 Posted October 23, 2016 Here's mine. First a cut down M1905 bayonet and scabbard. The scabbard was for the M1917 but the sailor added the leather tip from an M1910 scabbard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted October 23, 2016 Share #18 Posted October 23, 2016 Pocket knife with rope lanyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted October 23, 2016 Share #19 Posted October 23, 2016 Bosn's pipe with lanyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted October 23, 2016 Share #20 Posted October 23, 2016 And a "grass" skirt made from 550 cord for use during the crossing the Equator ceremonies. And a picture of one in use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garandomatic Posted October 23, 2016 Share #21 Posted October 23, 2016 That's awesome. I love the line crossing stuff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastersMate Posted October 23, 2016 Share #22 Posted October 23, 2016 You'll sometimes hear the term "MacNamara's Lace" to describe that square knotting work. Was used for frindge work for deck awnings and canopies for gigs and barges.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted October 25, 2016 Share #23 Posted October 25, 2016 Amazing stuff. Some of those sailors were craftsman and artist, like scrimshaw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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