Thank you for posting these, Norman! You are a lucky guy to have uch great examples! I've wanted to add a spontoon to my own collection, but sticking with the pirate/nautical theme, I couldn't do it-
As far as the etched numerals, can we assume these are rack numbers? Troop numbers? I think these pole weapons would be quite effective if brought into a combat situation! I know sergeants used them for troop maneuvers and sign of rank, but isn't it tru that they were also common among camp 'guards' and sentries?