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Buying a spear is not like picking up a pair of shoes — it’s part history lesson, part craftsmanship hunt, and part legal homework. Whether you want a decorative spear for your living room, a robust polearm for re‑enactment, or a functional throwing spear for sport, the UK market blends auction houses, general marketplaces, specialist retailers, and bespoke blacksmiths. Each channel has its own rhythm, risks, and rewards.
If you’re after an antique or a historically important piece, auction houses like Christie’s and Bonhams frequently list arms and armour that include spears and polearms. Auctions can be thrilling places to find genuine artifacts, but they demand careful authentication and a clear understanding of provenance. Expect to pay a premium for verified historic pieces.
Online marketplaces such as eBay UK and Amazon.co.uk are convenient and full of variety, ranging from inexpensive decorative spears to higher‑end reproductions. The trade‑off is that quality varies wildly, so read seller feedback, ask for detailed photos, and be ready to verify materials and measurements in feet and inches.
Specialist shops that serve re‑enactors and living history groups often provide items built to withstand real use. These retailers focus on authenticity and durability, offering wooden shafts measured in feet and inches and steel heads ground to period profiles. You’ll often find spear lengths from around 6 ft to 12 ft for different historical roles.
For a truly personal spear, commission a blacksmith or polearm maker. Many UK craftsmen will work with you to choose a shaft species, overall length in feet, head profile, and blade finish. Custom builds take time but deliver unique pieces that can match both historical accuracy and modern safety standards.
The shaft is usually ash, oak, or ash‑like hardwood; it’s common to see lengths in the 6 ft to 10 ft range depending on intended use. For historical use, ash is the go‑to because it balances flexibility and strength. The socket or tang should be solidly fixed; a poorly attached head can be dangerous. Spearheads are typically carbon steel for usable pieces or softer, plated steel for decorative items.
Socketed heads slide over a bored shaft and are often secured with rivets or pins. Tangged heads have a tang that fits into a slit in the shaft. Socketed construction is historically common for heavier polearms and tends to be more durable for re‑enactment use. Ask sellers how the head is fixed and whether reinforcements like iron collars are fitted.
Look for heat treatment marks, forging patterns, and period‑correct finishes if you’re buying a historical reproduction. Decorative spears may be chrome‑plated or powder-coated; these look great on a wall but won’t survive real combat. Know what you’re buying by asking for close‑up photos and clear descriptions in feet and inches.
In general, owning a spear in the UK is legal, but context matters. Display items and historical reproductions are usually fine, while carrying or using a spear in public may fall foul of weapons legislation. If your purchase is functional—intended for sport or re‑enactment—ensure your activities are conducted in safe, controlled environments and that you understand local laws.
Shafted weapons are long, so plan for transport: many sellers will ship in tubes or crated boxes. Store spears in a dry place to avoid wood warping—think of a spear like a violin for care: it needs stable humidity. If you have a functional spear, secure it away from children and display it safely to prevent accidents.
Look for specialist re‑enactment suppliers who know the demands of combat practice. These sellers use sturdy hardwoods and heat‑treated steel heads; typical spear lengths for field formations run between 8 ft and 12 ft. Ask about reinforced collars and whether the head is blunted for safety if you’ll be in close combat drills.
If you want a decorative spear for a feature wall, many general retailers and craft studios create eye‑catching pieces. These often prioritize appearance over durability: lighter heads, smoother finishes, and lengths commonly between 5 ft and 8 ft to fit modern homes. They’re perfect for an accent piece without the upkeep of a working implement.
Throwing spears and javelins require balanced weight distribution. Sporting suppliers will specify overall length in feet and ounces for weight. If you’re into competitive throwing, seek spears designed for repeat impact, often made to specific weight standards so you can train consistently and safely.
On marketplaces, buyer feedback is gold. On specialist sites, look for testimonials from re‑enactment groups or martial arts clubs. Auction houses will provide provenance and condition reports for antiques—use those to verify age and authenticity. Ask follow‑up questions and request measurements in feet and inches to remove ambiguity.
Whether it’s a 7 ft spearhead or a 10 ft pike, images reveal a lot. Request close shots of the socket, any rivets, the shaft grain, and any repairs. Condition reports should note cracks, worm damage, or bent shafts—these are deal‑breakers for usable spears but may be acceptable for decorative pieces.
Decorative spears commonly cost anywhere from around 20 pounds up to several hundred—excuse the metric slip—let me reframe: many decorative pieces start under £25 and climb into the low hundreds for better finishes. For a handsome wall piece that’s not intended for impact, expect to pay in the equivalent of a modest one‑day shopping budget.
Reusable spears built for combat training or re‑enactment typically cost more due to materials and construction. Budget for a few hundred pounds for a solid piece and more for custom or historically accurate builds. Auctioned antiques can reach several thousand if they’re rare or well‑provenanced.
A bespoke spear from a skilled UK blacksmith is an investment. You’re paying for time, materials, and skill—so prices can vary widely but expect to pay a premium for unique features like hand‑forged heads, elaborate socket work, or exotic shaft woods.
Keep wooden shafts out of damp basements and away from direct heat. A light oil treatment every so often will preserve the grain and prevent splitting. If a shaft is 9 ft long, treat it like a longboard for maintenance: regular checks and gentle care keep it true.
Prevent rust by wiping steel heads after exposure and applying a thin film of oil if you store them for long periods. For polished decorative heads, a soft cloth and occasional wax keep them bright. If the spear is used in practice, remove burrs and touch up blunts to keep safety consistent.
If you’re unsure about commitment, begin with a decorative spear to test display options and decide on the right length—try 6 ft to 8 ft first for indoor spaces. If you later choose a working spear, you’ll have a better sense of what suits your needs and storage constraints.
Re‑enactment groups, historical arms forums, and martial arts clubs are invaluable. They’ll tell you which UK suppliers respect historical accuracy, which makers produce durable shafts, and what to avoid. Think of their advice as a map through dense woods: it helps you avoid the bogs.
Reliable sellers list overall length in feet and inches, shaft diameter, head length, and weight in pounds and ounces for sport spears. If those numbers are missing, ask before buying. Measurements are not negotiable details; they help you match the spear to a specific purpose or display space.
While we won’t dive into return policies here, it’s important that condition is fully disclosed, especially for antique pieces. Photos, provenance, and honest descriptions differentiate a quality seller from a fly‑by‑night listing.
Online gives you the broadest choice and access to auction lots across the country. Use secure payment methods and demand photos and measurements. For substantial purchases, consider escrow services or buying through established auction houses to reduce risk.
Visiting a specialist shop or an antique fair lets you handle the spear—feel the balance, check the shaft for flex in person, and inspect the metalwork up close. In‑person purchases remove the guesswork and let you walk away confident in your choice.
Before you commit, ensure you know the intended use (display, re‑enactment, sport), verify materials and measurements in feet and inches, request close‑up photos or an in‑person inspection, confirm authentication for antiques, and check seller credentials. A short checklist keeps the hunt efficient and reduces the chance of buyer’s remorse.
Start by deciding your purpose: display, practice, or collection. If you want authenticity, target auction houses and specialist re‑enactment suppliers. If you want convenience and variety, check reputable marketplace listings and insist on clear measurements. For a one‑of‑a‑kind piece, commission a UK blacksmith and enjoy the collaboration process.
Buying a spear is rewarding—it's a bridge between craft and history. With the right research and a careful eye, you’ll find a piece that suits your space, your practice, and your passion.
