Presented is a naval boarding pike head, without the shaft, that was sometimes referred to as a ‘pole arm’. In original but cleaned condition, likely of American manufacture, this type of weapon was prevalent for use with boarding parties on naval warships from the early 1800s through the American Civil War. Specimen is a long, spear-like iron weapon that was meant to set atop a wooden shaft. Naval seamen, when called on to board enemy ships, or to defend their own vessels, would close with the enemy and with two hands thrust their ‘spears’ or ‘pikes’ at the enemy sailors. The boarding pike was not meant to be thrown.

The working end of this unmarked specimen features a 7” long, four-sided, forged iron pike-head atop a 2” long, cone-shaped forged iron base. Base extends with two 9” long iron shanks that would secure down each side of the wooden staff. Pike head has been cleaned and still retains four sharp edges and a wicked looking point. Blade and base are smooth and exhibit rust pockmarking with oxidation as well as a dark patina overall. This seldom seen, original naval boarding pike is an item that may have been used in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War era. Would certainly enhance any relic collection or naval display.

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