A Spontoon is type or European lance that came into being after the pike-man craze, coming into play in the middle of the 17th century. Also called the European half pike, this very much resembled a pike that had a much shorter staff; usually no more than 7 feet long. The spontoon is remembered for being more of a signaling weapon than a polearm of war. This has the honor of being one of the only pole weapons which stayed in use long enough to make it into American history. As late as the 1890's the spontoon could still be seen accompanying marching soldiers.