Spontoon

The spontoon is a pole weapon similar to a spear which symbolized high status to those wielding it.

Description
With a small spearhead socketed to the end of a pole, the spontoon is reminiscent of a spear or more precisely a harpoon. It is distinguished by an elaborate pole which, unlike that of spears, is not merely a wooden shaft. Instead, it is typically thicker than the dimensions of the spearhead itself, and in one model prevalent in Paris during the French Revolution, lacquered in black and adorned with ivory bands. In this model, the base from which sprung the spearhead was similarly fashioned from ivory, and an ornately carved, white pommel adorned the base of the pole. As a weapon that also doubled as an implement of authority and command, the spontoon conferred prestige to its bearer, hence its often exquisite design. Despite being a long weapon, it is also short enough to be wielded in one hand.

History
By the time of the French Revolution, the spontoon was still in service and prevalent in the markets of Paris.

Trivia

 * Despite being a weapon of high status, the spontoon in Assassin's Creed: Unity is cheaper than cruder weapons such as the Lochaber axe or the spiked staff, the latter which is described as common with radical revolutionaries and by extension, the lower-class. This is owing to its inferior stats.

Appearance

 * Assassin's Creed: Unity