A SPONTOON OF GERMANIC ORIGIN; POSSIBLY HESSIAN

A SPONTOON OF GERMANIC ORIGIN; POSSIBLY HESSIAN

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9

$1,750.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1298-12

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The spontoon is a spear pointed pole arm.  These were carried by lower-ranking officers and NCOs in European and Colonial infantry units in the 18th century. They served principally as an instrument for ensuring that infantrymen in ranks stood correctly aligned with each other and that their muskets were aimed at the correct level. Of course, if pressed these could be used as a weapon particularly after a regiment formed square to repel cavalry. In the British and American armies, the spontoon was carried through the first quarter of the 19th century.

This example is typical of those used in the Germanic states including Frederick the Great's Prussia. The hard wood octagonal haft or shaft is 68 inches long; It is the 18th century original and has a multitude of tiny worm holes that, however, do not affect its soundness. Halfway up the haft a clean break has been soundly repaired. 15-inch-long riveted iron straps firmly hold the head with its iron cross guard surmounted by the scalloped outline blade that is similar to those used on the earlier partizans. The blade is 8 3/4 inches long with a prominent median ridge. The bright metal. cleaned decades ago. is pitted overall but the look is none-the-less pleasing. The total length of the weapon is 82 inches. Although unmarked this is the style that the Germanic "Hessian" mercenaries would have carried over here during the Revolutionary war.  [pe] [ph:L]]

Special shipping arrangements necessary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About A SPONTOON OF GERMANIC ORIGIN; POSSIBLY HESSIAN

should be empty