Spears for Sale: Finding Authentic Historical Weaponry

In the world of historical weaponry, few categories evoke the same sense of awe and fascination as spears. These long-reaching, versatile weapons have played pivotal roles throughout human history, from the battlefields of ancient civilizations to the knightly clashes of the Middle Ages. The allure of spears lies not only in their historical significance but also in their craftsmanship and design.

As collectors and enthusiasts seek to acquire authentic pieces of the past, the search for spears for sale becomes an exciting journey into martial history. In this article, we’ll delve into the realm of spears, exploring their diverse forms and functions, and guide you on where to find these authentic historical weapons.

What is a Spear?

A spear is a versatile pole weapon with a long shaft, typically crafted from wood, and a pointed head. The head of a spear can vary in material, ranging from a sharpened end of the shaft itself, as seen in fire-hardened spears, to more durable materials like bone, flint, obsidian, copper, bronze, iron, or steel, securely fastened to the shaft.

The design of a spearhead can take on various shapes, including triangles, lozenges, or leaf-like structures, making it suitable for hunting or warfare. Fishing spears often feature multiple sharp points, some with barbs to catch fish effectively.

The word “spear” has its origins in the Old English “spere,” tracing back to the Proto-Germanic “speri” and an even older Proto-Indo-European root, “*sper-,” which means “spear” or “pole.” Spears can be categorized into two primary types: those designed for thrusting in close combat (referred to as lances or pikes) and those intended for throwing as ranged weapons (referred to as darts or javelins).

The spear has played a pivotal role throughout human history, serving both as a tool for hunting and fishing and as a weapon for self-defense and warfare. Its early development by early humans, alongside tools like clubs, knives, and axes, makes it one of the earliest and most widespread implements created by our ancestors. In combat, it can be wielded with either one hand or two.

Notably, the spear has a historical legacy that extends into modern times. Bayonets, which are blades attached to the muzzle of long guns, continue to carry on the spear’s concept in modern warfare.

Interestingly, the practice of spear manufacture and use is not unique to humans; it has also been observed in western chimpanzees. These primates fashion spears from tree limbs, stripping them of bark and side branches, and sharpening one end with their teeth. They use these improvised tools to hunt small animals like galagos.

Archaeological finds, such as the Clacton Spear in England and the Schöningen spears in present-day Germany, indicate that wooden spears have been used for hunting for at least 400,000 years.

In 2012, a discovery in South Africa suggested that early hominids, possibly Homo heidelbergensis, may have developed the technology of hafted stone-tipped spears around 500,000 years ago. The use of wood as a material for spears likely predates these findings, as wood does not preserve well.

During the Middle Paleolithic period (circa 200,000 BC onwards), early humans began crafting stone blades with flaked edges that served as spearheads. These stone heads could be attached to spear shafts using various methods, such as gum, resin, animal sinew, leather strips, or plant matter.

This period marked the distinction between spears designed for thrusting and those designed for throwing. By the Magdalenian period (c. 15,000–9500 BC), spear-throwers similar to later atlatls came into use.

In literature and historical texts, the spear is prominently featured. For example, in Homer’s Iliad, both single-thrusting spears and throwing spears are mentioned, representing different combat styles from different periods. The ancient Greeks developed the phalanx formation in the 7th century BC, with hoplites equipped with large shields and long spears. The hoplite phalanx became a dominant military formation among Greek city-states.

Notable developments occurred in the 4th century BC, including the use of peltasts (light infantry armed with spears and javelins) and the introduction of the sarissa, an 18-foot-long two-handed pike, by the Macedonians. The pike phalanx, supported by peltasts and cavalry, became the dominant mode of Greek warfare until the rise of the Roman legions.

In the pre-Marian Roman armies, soldiers were armed with weapons like the gladius (sword) and pila (javelins). The hastati and principes initially used a short spear called the hasta, which later fell out of use, while the triarii continued to employ the hasta.

Over time, the pilum became the standard Roman legionary spear, until the 2nd century AD when legionaries began using other forms of throwing and thrusting spears. By the 4th century AD, the pilum had faded from common use.

During the late Roman Empire, the spear regained popularity due to its effectiveness against cavalry, as many barbarian invasions relied heavily on cavalry forces.

In the medieval period, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the spear remained a popular weapon across Western European cultures. It was an economical choice for soldiers, requiring less steel than swords and being quick to manufacture.

The Vikings, for example, primarily used spears. As time passed, spears evolved into lances, which eventually led to the depiction of knights with lances in the context of jousting.

Medieval spears were categorized into those designed for melee combat and those for throwing. They featured various head shapes, with most being leaf-shaped. Specialized types like the angon and the winged (or lugged) spear emerged. The thrusting spear’s long reach made it a preferred weapon, especially in tightly ordered formations like the shield wall or schiltron. To counter cavalry charges, spear shafts were planted into the ground as a defensive tactic.

Throwing spears gradually became less common in the later Middle Ages but persisted among specialists like the Catalan Almogavars. They were also used in Ireland until the end of the 16th century. During this time, the spear started to lose favor among infantry soldiers, giving way to pole weapons that combined thrusting and cutting capabilities, such as the halberd.

In cavalry combat, the spear’s use transformed with the advent of stirrups and high-cantled saddles in the 12th century. Knights would secure the lance with one hand and tuck it under their armpit, allowing them to focus the momentum of both horse and rider on the spear’s tip while retaining control and accuracy.

This technique contributed to the development of the lance as a distinct weapon, particularly in the context of jousting. In the 14th century, as knights increasingly fought on foot, the lance was shortened for easier handling. Specialist pole weapons like the poleaxe became popular among dismounted knights, leading to the reduced use of the lance in such scenarios.

Throughout history, spears have remained valuable tools for hunting game and fishing, often adapted for specific prey, such as mammoths in early human history. The inclusion of bars or crossbars on some spears helped control penetration into animals, and these variations became known as barred spears.

Today, the use of the spear endures in various forms, such as the javelin, harpoon, and trident, for both practical purposes like hunting and fishing and cultural activities. The spear’s long and storied history attests to its enduring significance in human civilization.

What is a Spear?

Where Can I Find Spears for Sale?

Kult of Athena

The Red Viper’s Spear

Bat Wing Han Sha Spear

Greek Dory Spear

Viking Lugged Spear

Medieval Collectibles

Magnum Spear

Allaxdrow Spear

Roman Thin Pilum

Spear of Eomer

Zulu African Spear

Viking War Spear

Etsy

Spartan Warrior Spear by RagnoroksEnd

300 Spartan Spear by GriffinGearllc

Handmade Viking Spear by GurkhabladeByKnife

Gungnir Spear by OrionKrafts

Handmade Viking Ragnar Spear by RoyalWeaponry

Handmade Japanese War Thrusting Spear by QuantumShoppu

Mera Handmade Viking Spear by GurkhabladeByKnife

Viking Berserker Wolf Spear by TheUnassailableMage

Dragon Slayer Spear by TheUnassailableMage

God of War Ragnarok Inspired Draupnir Spear by TheUnassailableMage

Conclusion

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