Napoleonic Wars Era, c.1810, British Army Sergeant’s Spontoon. Sn - 22161 Napoleonic Wars Era, c.1810, British Army Sergeant’s Spontoon. Sn - 22161 Antique & Militaria

The spontoon was carried by a Sergeant in the British Army as a weapon of defence, and a symbol of discipline and authority. The long wooden shaft with a steel spear point was intended for use in protecting the regimental colours (King’s Colour and Regimental Colour) from being attacked and captured. The honour of guarding the colours was usually given to meritorious Sergeants, one or more of whom would accompany the Ensigns or junior Lieutenants to form a Colour Party. The regulation spontoon was around 7 to 9 feet in length and was in common use from the mid-17th to early 19th century. The short cross bar was to keep the blade from penetrating too deeply into the body of an enemy. In defence, it had a long reach and was of use when infantry had to repel cavalry. As muskets replaced pikes of earlier centuries, the spontoon became a symbol of authority and discipline. It was carried by Battalion Company Sergeants. This is a Napoleonic Wars era British army sergeants spontoon circa 1810. The Spontoon has an overall length of 83 inches with a iron head. The double edged blade measures 10 inches long with a 4 ½ inch cross guard and an overall length of 25 inches including the two attaching straps. The two strap are held onto the shaft by 3 screws on each side. The shaft is undamaged and the metal has a nice even patina. Due to the size of this item delivery will be by arrangement and within the UK mainland only. Sn 22161