May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
A spontoon dating from the 2nd half of the 18th century of classic British form, but possibly an American copy. The three-piece head consists of a 9 - 3/8" L (clear of socket) x 2 - 3/4" W, bulbous, leaf-shaped blade, a separate crossbar, both sent into a set and slender crossbar, both set into a 3 - 1/2" iron socket or base that once had side-straps, now filed off. The spontoon head is affixed to a 68 ½ inch-long, haft that appears to be ash or hickory, stained a reddish-brown, that is possibly a later replacement. Spontoons were carried by both British and American company-grade officers in infantry regiments during the Revolutionary War era and also by officers of the US Army in the Federal era until about 1802. CONDITION: Some pitting and brown spotting throughout head. Head still unscrews. Edges show sharpening and chipping. Some damage to bottom of socket. Blade "CH" clear on one side of blade. Hickory haft appears to be its original haft and retains a dark patina, heavy carry wear towards top. JLK