Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 191:
5 3/4" Nicely Developed Flint Celt found in Monroe County, Missouri
This well developed flint celt measures approximately 5 3/4 inches and is crafted from high quality Burlington chert. The surface shows a naturally developed earth grown patination, including a soft mineral sheen, gentle surface toning, and light smoothing in recessed areas while still retaining crisp original flake scars. The bit displays heavy unmistakable ancient use wear, with a deep glossy polish produced by repeated prehistoric contact with wood or other worked materials.
The workmanship is strong and consistent with authentic flint celt manufacture. The body is symmetrically shaped with gradual tapering toward the bit, and the cross section shows controlled thinning typical of celts intended for real utilitarian use. The bit is well formed, slightly convex, and exhibits extensive prehistoric wear polish that reflects long term use rather than modern grinding. The overall form is balanced and aligns closely with documented Missouri examples from the Late Archaic through Woodland periods.
Condition is excellent. The bit retains its original working edge with pronounced ancient polish, the body shows natural patination without loss of form, and the surface is consistent and unaltered. There are no modern chips, grinding, or restoration, and the piece retains its original prehistoric workmanship throughout.
This artifact was recovered in Monroe County, Missouri, an area well known for its rich Late Archaic and Woodland lithic traditions. The named finder, Brian Evans, provides solid verifiable provenance, making this a desirable and well documented example for collectors.
This artifact is an authentic flint celt, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type including its symmetrical body, tapered form, and heavily polished working bit. The Burlington chert shows proper ancient patination with mineralized surface texture and natural smoothing consistent with long term burial and exposure. The bit polish is genuine prehistoric use wear, not modern grinding or enhancement. Based on its form, workmanship, patination, and documented Monroe County provenance, this is a high quality unquestionably authentic flint celt and an excellent example of the type.
Provenance: Found by Brian Evans, Monroe County, Missouri.
Condition: Authentic
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