Stanchions

The taffrail is the open rail across (or around) the stern of a ship, especially when there is a raised quarter deck. The rail was supported by decorative turned pillars, called stanchions. In essence, stanchions are vertical posts mounted at the edge of the deck to which a rail or cables are attached.

The taffrail is the open rail across (or around) the stern of a ship, especially when there is a raised quarter deck. The rail was supported by decorative turned pillars, called stanchions. In essence, stanchions are vertical posts mounted at the edge of the deck to which a rail or cables are attached.