An early to mid-19th century version of the American Federal Navy Type III Boarding Pike with a large "bulbous" swelling of the wooden haft where the langets are attached. Also not the narrowing or tapering of the haft below the langets, this as another feature added to later model Type IIIs.

This bulbous swelling is an evolutionary feature found in late life models of the Type III boarding pike which prevented excessive penetration. Also note just past the swelling is a section of wood that tapers down and then tapers back up again. This tapering is actually a handhold, there is also another tapering about two feet further down the pike but not seen in this photo; this is a second handhold. The swelling and handholds are features only found in late model Type III's, ie; the Civil War period.

Both specimens in this collection are virtually identical with an overall 86" length, entire pike head of 17.25", 4-sided spike head of 7" and langets of 8". Original black paint on the pike head is still seen on the spike, swelled wood, and langets.

Also another feature not easily seen in the photos is that the wood haft about 12" below the langets has been turned in such a manner as to be a handhold of sorts: essentially the top portion of the wooden haft was made to have a bulge or swelling which then tapered to a 1.5" diameter for 18" down the haft, and then again tapered down for about 8" before tapering back up again for the full length of the stave. This tapered length of 8" appears to be a handhold to allow more force to be applied when using the pike to either push, pull or parry.

The Type III boarding pike stayed relatively consistent throughout its 60+ year service life with a 4-sided square head of substantial size and 3 riveted langets, and construction given to function over form (ie; somewhat crudely but well made). With the only additional features being the swelling and handholds previously mentioned.

Tip of the Type III.

Illustrating the joint where the langets, spike head and socket meet.

Note the bulge or swelling of the wood in the above two photos as well as the original black paint. This was an evolutionary solution to the age old problem of excessive penetration of naval boarding pikes.

Photos of the butt end of the pike.

Photo to the left shows part of the antique naval collection at The Pirates Lair: Note the 5 boarding pikes on the wall above the racks of naval cutlasses - Not shown are two 19th Century US Navy Type III boarding pikes ca 1860s Civil War era.

Photo to the right illustrates British sailors demonstrating how in proper drill practice how boarding pikes were used as defensive weapons against attacking boarders. It appears that the Model 1888 Boarding Pike is being used in this drill. Also note the boarding axes attached to the back of each sailor - no "jammed in the belt swashbuckling" for British Royal Navy sailors!

Historical Information Only: Prior to the advent of a rapid firing pistol or rifle the Boarding Pike was used to effectively repel boarders as they were climbing up the side of a wooden hull or swinging into the raised defensive protective netting.

The major differences between a standard infantry spear or cavalry lance is that the boarding pike's total length of about 7' to 8' was a bit shorter than its cousins which were typically 9' and longer.

The naval boarding pikes spike or blade itself was also thinner or slimmer than the spear or lance, and did not have any projections and was seamlessly smooth where it was fastened onto wooden shaft or haft. This was necessary so that the blade or spike could work its way through and not get caught up into any of the protective netting, associated rigging, any downed rope or canvas sail.

We here at The Pirates Lair utilize and refer to the fantastic work found in the reference guide "Boarders Away" by William Gilkerson. While we have added to our knowledge due to hands on experience with these boarding pikes and similar sea service weapons, we have never found Gilkerson to be wrong, ever.

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Early 19th C. War of 1812-Civil War era US Navy Type III Naval Boarding Pike For Sale and Available Rare chance to own an authentic piece of Naval History! Authentic early to mid 19th Century War of 1812 era restored Half-Length 58" US Navy Type III Boarding Pike with Regulation 4-sided pike head, langets, straight shaft or haft. Both the early and later models of Boarding Pikes were simultaneously used until inventory of the earlier models were depleted. - Museum quality specimen.	Click Thumbnail Photo For Full Size Photos and More Information! US Navy Type III	58" 3/4 Pike	$995.	To Order Call 540 659 6209
British Royal Navy Model 1888 Pattern Naval Boarding Pike For Sale and Available Rare chance to own an authentic piece of Naval History! Classic late 19th Century British Royal Navy Boarding Pike 60" stave or haft. The stave is 3/4 length which was presumably cut because of damage to the butt. Langets have CLEARLY AND PROPERLY stamped arsenal marks, Royal Victorian ciphers, and date of 1899.	Click Photo! British 1888 Pattern	60" 3/4 Pike	$995.00	To Order Call 540 659 6209

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