Q&A · 5:19:29-5:20:06

Recognizing an 1880s French Navy paint scheme

The broad visual guide pairs black with a yellow-orange tone while allowing for differences between individual French warships.

Question

What colors did the French Navy use on warships during the 1880s?

Short answer

A common broad scheme combined black with a yellow-orange tone, although the exact treatment depended on the individual ship.

Notes

A broad 1880s French Navy palette combined black with a yellow-orange tone. The exact treatment depended on the ship. Foxo's World of Warships paint choices provide the visual comparison for that colour, without establishing a detailed scheme for an individual historical vessel.