{"product_id":"american-revolutionary-war-era-spontoon-with-leaf-blade-banner-attachment-ricasso","title":"American Revolutionary War Era Spontoon with Leaf Blade \u0026 Banner Attachment Ricasso","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis impressive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Revolutionary War-era spontoon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e features an elegant \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12-inch leaf-shaped spearhead\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e mounted on a later \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e68-inch wooden pole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, giving the weapon an impressive overall length of approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e80 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Particularly noteworthy are the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etwo pierced holes in the ricasso\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, intended for the attachment of flags, streamers, or unit identifiers, allowing the spontoon to function not only as a weapon but also as a visible symbol of rank and command. Examples of similar pattern are illustrated in George Neumann's authoritative reference \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSwords \u0026amp; Blades of the American Revolution\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where spontoons of this form are documented among the standard officer's polearms of the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout the 18th century, the spontoon served as one of the defining badges of authority for infantry officers, sergeants, and color officers. While fully capable of use in combat, its primary battlefield function was directing troop movements, maintaining formations, signaling commands, and protecting regimental colors during battle. The addition of streamers or identifying flags further enhanced visibility amid the smoke and confusion of combat, allowing soldiers to quickly identify commanding officers and unit positions. This centuries-old tradition predates widespread firearm use and remained an important element of military leadership well into the Revolutionary War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpontoons with surviving period heads are increasingly difficult to acquire, particularly examples retaining specialized features such as banner attachment holes. Their dual role as both functional battlefield weapons and symbols of military authority makes them among the most desirable Revolutionary War polearms for collectors. Combining classic leaf-blade form, documented Revolutionary War pattern, and distinctive officer's banner fittings, this spontoon is a superb example of early American military history and an impressive display piece for any advanced collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44158553161802,"sku":"VLAD-13","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/37455180.jpg?v=1788546741","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/american-revolutionary-war-era-spontoon-with-leaf-blade-banner-attachment-ricasso","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}