American Revolutionary War Era 18th Century Spontoon Head possibly French C. 1690 – 1750 on Later Pole

This American Revolutionary War era 18th-century spontoon head is a classic polearm form mounted on a later wooden pole for display.  Research shows this Spontoon was likely of older French (est. C. 1690 – 1750) originally brought to the American Revolution and used by French troops supporting the American cause. The original head measures approximately 14 1/2 inches in length and is mounted on a later 33 1/2 inch pole, giving the piece an overall length of approximately 48 inches. Comparable examples are illustrated throughout George Neumann’s Swords & Blades of the American Revolution, where numerous 18th-century spontoons and related polearms are documented. The later shaft allows the head to be properly displayed while preserving the original Revolutionary-era iron component.

For Reference, see Swords & Blades of the American Revolution by George C. Neumann Pgs 208 57.PA and pg.219 113.PA.

Note: Photocopies of the research pages referenced in this listing are included with the purchase. We are pleased to provide this material alongside the item so you can enjoy the discovery, historical context, and additional provenance surrounding these remarkable pieces of history.

Spontoons were among the most recognizable polearms of the 18th-century military world, carried by officers, sergeants, and other ranks of authority as both weapons and symbols of command. In British, European, and American Revolutionary War era service, spontoons helped identify leadership within the line, assisted in signaling and alignment, and could be used to defend the colors or maintain formation during close action. Their battlefield role was therefore both practical and symbolic, connecting them directly to rank, discipline, and the visual language of command.

This spontoon head is a desirable Colonial America and Revolutionary War era artifact, offering collectors an accessible but historically meaningful example of 18th-century polearm use. The original head, later display shaft, Neumann reference connection, and classic officer or NCO-associated form make it a strong piece for collections focused on Revolutionary War arms, early American military material, and the command weapons of the 18th-century battlefield.

Dimensions: Approximately 48 inches overall, with a 14 1/2 inch head mounted on a later 33 1/2 inch pole.

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