Museum-Quality Revolutionary War Spontoon

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Revolutionary War Era Spontoon or Pike, Choice Very Fine. 16.5" long, including a 5" tang. This expertly forged piece offers excellent symmetry, ranging to 1-7/16" at its widest point to a delicate (but deadly) 1/2" near the base. The surfaces are in very good condition considering the age of this piece and the tip even shows some battle damage where it is slightly bent and has a small sword nick. Spontoons were used by soldiers (on both sides) in the Revolutionary War as fighting arms, signaling devices, and symbols of rank for commissioned officers. The staffs to which these tips were attached ranged in length, but were long enough to ward off bayonet attacks and to defend entrenched positions. American specimens, like the piece offered here, were less ornate than their European counterparts but are much rarer. This is a museum-quality piece that should generate considerable excitement.

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