Original American Revolutionary War Era Sergeant’s Spontoon – Remounted on Two Piece Shaft – 79 ¾” Overall Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely and rare American Revolutionary War Era Sergeant’s spontoon, which we assume was used on the Colonial Side, as it is devoid of any of the usual markings that a British issued spontoon would have. While sometimes effective at removing an opposing soldier from his horse, the spontoon pole arm was not so much a weapon as it was a sign of rank used by Sergeants and other N.C.O.s. This was a tradition dating back hundreds of years before the introduction of firearms. Its real purpose in combat was to show the soldiers “on the line” where their commander was in all the smoke and confusion. Often standing seven or eight feet tall it was easily identified by the men in that unit.

This example has had the original spearhead and base fitting remounted on a two piece shaft, which when assembled measures an impressive 79 ¾” inches long, a few inches under 7 feet. It breaks down into a spearhead section measuring 34 ¾ inches, and a shaft / base fitting measuring 47 inches long. The spearhead itself measures 12 inches long, and is quite substantial in weight, so this was not a display piece. The bottom fitting is also quite heavy, and has a fluted armor piercing tip which is reinforced at the very end.

Condition overall is very good, with a lovely aged patina on the metal components, showing that they have been well cared for over the past 200+ years. Definitely a solid piece.

Very rare and perfect for display, if you have the room!

Spearhead Dimensions:
Blade Length: 12″
Crossguard: 5 ⅛”
Langet Length: 8 ¼”
Overall Length: 25 ½”

Bottom Fitting:
Blade Length: 4 ½”
Blade Style: Fluted Armor Piercing
Overall Length: 10 ½”