unknown strange formed sponton?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

I initially thought Dutch influence so consider either Sri Lankan or Indonesian ...Peculiar loops behind the spear blade suggest a Palace Guard as opposed to a jungle tribal weapon...

Well observed Ibrahiim, and actually I was thinking of Ceylonese as well, and more for guards as you suggested. These scrolled loops are indeed very uncharacteristic for a weapon intended for penetration it would seem, so the idea of palace guards with more decorative forms seemed likely.

These same kinds of spear point were well known on many lances, various polearm heads and daggers (early European daggers with similar blades and these type tangs (called 'whittle tangs) so influences can have been from numbers of sources.

Miguel, you make an excellent observation, as there are numbers of cases where architectural components were repurposed for use on weapons.
It seems ironic (no pun intended) that conversely, there were instances of weapon components used in architectural contexts, such as the terribly poignant fence in England made of Scottish basket hilt blades taken at the tragedy of Culloden.

It is interesting that, conversely, in many weapon forms, the designs and styling on many hilts and various mounts on edged weapons was often based on architectural features. In many instances, the identifications and dating of many examples have determinations based on comparisons with architecture, particularly temples.

[abeek]

Thank you all for the information, I am happy with the comments


Aart

[Timo Nieminen]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

These scrolled loops are indeed very uncharacteristic for a weapon intended for penetration it would seem, so the idea of palace guards with more decorative forms seemed likely.

The loops look like they might have originally carried bells, or at least jingle-jangle rings. I have an Indian fancy spearhead with jingle-jangle rings (alas, I don't have a good photo at the moment; a bad one is attached), which helped those thoughts along.

Penetration as far as the loops is plenty - no need for anything more. I don't believe they have any impact on its use in fighting.