Battleship Linoleum

Battleship linoleum comes/ came in three thicknesses; 1/4", 3/16" and 1/8" (heavy, medium and light). A hospital design book I found online warns the architect to be cautious of the substitution of 6mm linoleum for the heavy grade.

According to this same guide, the USN Specification 29LIC is to be listed when ordering the stuff. It was also noted that the color is added and there are ranges available, but red brown was preferred as it "went with any decor". Love those light green walls.

Another source I found complained of the USN's habit of repeatedly shellacing the surface, the problem being that shellac is alcohol based and attacks the linoleum. These shellacs had the ability to be tinted as well.

My. Fascinating. Our project has an historical preservation consultant and I'm sure she knows about/ belongs to the APT, but I didn't and she's probably way too busy at this point with the exterior issues.

Thank you very much John, Tracy I sent you a copy of the publication that I mentioned.

In my own particular sphere as a professional on this project, the original architect Arthur Brown designed a typeface for the Civic Center. I'm working at getting the original drawings with the fonts today.

"Battleship Linoleum" was indeed a trade term. If you're pursuing expertise in linoleum, I would refer you to articles on the subject written by Bonnie Wehle Parks for the Association for Preservation Technology International, and published in their magazine. Then get out and hit the used book dealers and start collecting manufacturers' sample books and other manufacturers' publications on the subject--they're out there (except for those I've already added to my library).

OK, thanks. Based on this image we're pretty sure the Navy was using it on superstructure levels, but no one has anything definite; this has all been in the last couple of years. I'm gearing up for a trip to the archives in October and have identified a few areas that might shed some more light, but there's no garantees, and I'm looking to learn as much as possible as I can in advance.

I'd like to look at that document if you'd be so kind....

I don't in fact I'd be surprised if it were. The term "Battleship Linoleum" apparently was a term in the industry that denoted the heaviest product. I am going to be a linoleum expert in a year or so, and in the meantime it was interesting to come across the item.

If you wish, I can email you the document. It's a nice history about a high end office building of that era.

How do you know it's surplused USN Naval linoleum, out of curiosity?