Amer. Revolution, American Spontoon, on period Staff, Original

Description

American Revolution, American Spontoon. On period staff. Stands 6.5 Foot Tall. In museum condition. Rare to find these examples complete. The Spontoon was the officer's polearm during the American Revolution. The average length measured between 6 to 8 feet Tall. These were a symbol of rank and a fighting weapon in the field. In 1743, British army officially replaced the half-pike with the Spontoon. In 1768 the British ordered limiting the length to a total of 7 Ft.
The Spontoon served mainly as a means of identifying the officer, as well as a method of signaling troops. Smith's Military Dictionary points out, "When  the spontoon is planted, the regiment halts; when pointed forwards, the regiments marches; and when pointed backwards, the regiment retreated". There was a common practice of the day to place one in the ground before an officer's tent to indicate his presence.
The American army strongly favoured the spontoon, stressed its use throughout the American War. Gen. Washington and many others believed that an officer should carry as an Id, in battle & dismiss the procedure of loading & firing a shoulder arm. Photo 3 shows total length of Spontoon.
Bought the Spontoon & Halberd in the early 1990's off a known dealer in NYC. There are no marking on the spontoon. All period, not played with at all.
Measurement on Spontoon is 6.5' Feet Total Length 77" inches.
Iron Blade is 12" Inches Length. Iron straps are 6" down to protect the wood in Battle.
Metal is Iron, pole is wood.
I am willing to drive south to Portsmouth N.H. and parts of New England to hand over. Because of length not sure the best way of handing it off? Please E-mail me to arrange. Save shipping costs.
Whenever possible, I reuse packaging to help save environment.
My
goal to dispatch items within 2 days after payment given the
W
eather in New England.