The spontoon is basically a scaled-down polearm or winged spear that often served as a substitute for a rifle or musket in colonial America. Issued in substantial quantity by both sides of every conflict from the French and Indian war (1754-1763) to the War of 1812 it was carried as both a weapon and a badge of rank or authority by commissioned and noncommissioned officers alike. The blade of this spontoon is 10.5" long and 4 mm thick with 3.5" wings on either side. Designed primarily for thrusting its also capable of delivering cuts and slashes while its sharpened wings provide substantial catching and trapping potential as well. Mounted on a stout ash wood pole with a decorative 3-ring socket its appropriate for any Colonial reenacting and makes a fearsome stand-alone weapon in its own right.