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British, Early 18th Century, George 1 (1714 to 1728), Sergeants Spontoon Engraved with Inniskillen Castle. Sn - 23174:40 The short pike, or spontoon was carried by a sergeant, a non commissioned officer in the British Army. The spontoon was a weapon of defence, discipline and authority. A long wooden shaft was topped with a steel spear point, just below which was a short metal cross bar. One intended use was to protect the regimental colours from being attacked and captured. The honour of guarding the colours was usually given to meritorious sergeants, one or more of whom would accompany a junior officer to form a colour party. This is a British spontoon measuring 90 ½ inches in length and consists of an octagonal wooden shaft with the iron head held on by 3 rivets through the langets. The 12 inch long iron head measures 2 1/8 inches at its widest point has a spear point is screwed onto the langet through the 5 ½ inch round iron ball ended cross guard. The total length of the head is 25 inches and the top of the shaft to the langet is 4 inches. One side of the head bears the royal crown over a G R monogram for George 1st who reigned from 1714 to 1728 and other side of the head has an engraved castle gatehouse over the engraved word INNISKILLIN. Both the GR and INSKILLIN retains some of its original gilt infill. Enniskillen Castle in Northern Ireland was built over 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires.to guard one of the few passes into Ulster and was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century the castle became an English garrison fort and later served as part of a military barracks. The metalwork and shaft which has no worm are original and in good condition with surface wear from use and age. Delivery is to the U.K. Mainland only and is by arrangement and at cost. Sn 23174:40 £1,275.00
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