Thanks to you and Ralph for the info on the correct term for the color 'Buff' which is noted and any further reference to it by me, particularly on this board, 'Spar', will be used. If I were to look to buy Spar from any paint manufacturers though, would I would be rebuffed? i.e., Humbrol, Colourcoats and Modelcolor only sell 'Buff' (from the evidence I have at hand) and they don't seem to be aware of the correct term, or maybe they do and they just don't care.

I raise that at as obvious point only though and it doesn't really matter because in the end 'Spar' seems to be a compound and not an element so it can be mixed or tinted to the beholder's suit and there's quite a bit of leeway.

What I am curious about though is why this particular color was used to paint ships at the turn of the twentieth century, anyway? I've had a look but I can't see that there was an exact reason, so I assume it was simply a fashion or trend that came with the time, you know, like wearing an onion on your belt. If it was considered an effective camouflage, why was it discontinued? If anyone knows of the actual reason or where to find it, please point it out, thank you.