This did come up somewhere in an old thread. As I always understood it the brass monkey was only used when the ship was fully dressed (like a parade or inspection by a lofty goverment official) & then only on ships commanded by a notable, Admiral or Commander of the fleet or whatever. The only monkey's I've ever seen were of iron & trianguler in shape. Another one of many interesting phrases taking to shore "toe the line" comes from the practice of making a sailor who has been sherking his duties stand on deck legs spread & toes lined up on the edge of the same line formed by the wood used in decking. Barry