Revolutionary War Pike, recovered at Crown Point, New York (SOLD)

Being offered is a Revolutionary War American Pike [Spontoon].  The overall measurement is 11 1/2” with the blade being 2 ¾” wide and the socket opening 7/8” to take a wooden pole (haft). This piece was recovered many years ago from the ruins of Crown Point, NY.

At the outbreak of the American Revolution, the rebellious colonists looked to Crown Point to aid their cause. The surrender of Fort Crown Point to American rebel troops commanded by Seth Warner in May of 1775 yielded 114 pieces of cannon and heavy ordnance sorely needed by the Americans. Colonel Henry Knox carried twenty-nine of these to Boston during that winter to force the British out of the city.

After the capture of the fort, Crown Point became a springboard for an invasion of Canada. General Richard Montgomery's force sailed down the lake in August 1775. Despite initial success in Montreal, the combined forces of Montgomery and Benedict Arnold were defeated at Quebec in December 1775. They retreated in disarray, riddled with smallpox, to Crown Point. Men died by the hundreds in makeshift field hospitals and were buried in mass graves.

Crown Point was a staging area for the British in both 1776 and 1777. After the Americans abandoned Crown Point, the British assembled their troops here. Delayed by the American Navy, Sir Guy Carleton arrived here with his troops in October of 1776 but retreated north for the winter shortly thereafter. British General John Burgoyne's army arrived here in June of 1777. Crown Point remained under British control until the end of the war.

This pike was obviously made by a local blacksmith because of its crudeness, but that really adds to the appeal of the piece. There are examples in the “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures). It remains in very nice condition, solid with no flaking or chipping. There is a small hole in the blade, probably water settling in at one point in time.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.