What use were these parts in the bow and stern?

[Captain Puckett]

 

[Tim Aldrich]

I can answer your question about the stern photo. Those eyes were used to attach chains which were then used to remove the propellers. Look at a ships and you'll usually see those eyes directly above the propellers.

 

[Steven Christian]

I can answer your question about the stern photo. Those eyes were used to attach chains which were then used to remove the propellers. Look at a ships and you'll usually see those eyes directly above the propellers.

I learned something new. Funny how you can look at hundreds of pics over the years and not notice something.

 

[Tsm2191]

I’m not sure if this is correct (and somebody please do correct me if I am wrong) but I believe those things in the bow are jackstays.

 

[Stephen Carey]

Is the bow picture an actual photograph of one of the ships?
Usually that sort of fitting was used for either attaching ropes to secure awnings (unusual at the bow) or attaching staging for painting the hull, though it does look a bit flimsy for that.
I've seen them on many ships, but not at the bow. Bridge wings had them for canvas dodgers and also for seamen to attach a harness for working at height.

 

[Captain Puckett]

Is the bow picture an actual photograph of one of the ships?
Usually that sort of fitting was used for either attaching ropes to secure awnings (unusual at the bow) or attaching staging for painting the hull, though it does look a bit flimsy for that.
I've seen them on many ships, but not at the bow. Bridge wings had them for canvas dodgers and also for seamen to attach a harness for working at height.

The bow is a reconstruction of the Titanic, the stern is from the Olympic. The first time I saw that was on this 12-metre model.

 

[James Smith]

Is the bow picture an actual photograph of one of the ships?
Usually that sort of fitting was used for either attaching ropes to secure awnings (unusual at the bow) or attaching staging for painting the hull, though it does look a bit flimsy for that.
I've seen them on many ships, but not at the bow. Bridge wings had them for canvas dodgers and also for seamen to attach a harness for working at height.

Yes, my understanding is that these are indeed jackstays and could be used to rig a canvas over the railing to protect men working on the forecastle from spray. The Olympic's Wikipedia article has a couple of photos with this canvas in place.