Revolutionary Spear Marked An

It is a spear that is inseparable from the history of the French Revolution. Militarily, the pikemen had been removed from the Royal Army in 1703, but the great need for armament of the young nation fighting against all of Europe made felt the need for equipment that was easy to produce and did not require very long theoretical training for the men.
The battalions of pikemen were therefore created in 1792 and 1793 their use seemed entirely justified, especially against the cavalry with which the enemy coalitions were abundantly provided. The real effectiveness of the muskets had even been called into question. Maurice de Saxe already wrote in 1750: "After a battle where five hundred thousand musket shots have been fired, there are not two thousand dead on the field." Carnot even stated in 1792: "The pike is the best weapon in the hands of the French."
The blade is solidly forged, on one side it is flat and on the other a rib that goes from the socket to the point reinforces the rigidity, while maintaining the lightness necessary for good use. The iron is of course oxidized. It is a weapon that has known the battlefields of the Republic. Length of the edge 39 cm, Total length of the metal part 54.2 cm
The shaft is made of hardwood, which seems to be the original wood. It is clearly marked "AN" for National Army. The socket of the lance is fixed to the shaft by a hammered nail.
This object full of history must be included in any collection of edged weapons.
Delivered to your home by carrier (1m78 = too long for postal delivery) for: France €30, Europe €45
ref 4Y 18XX