Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 145:
Large 6 1/8" Morse Knife found in Lincoln Co., Mo w/ Keele COA
Large Early Archaic Morse Knife measuring approximately 6 1/8 inches, crafted from Bowling Green Brown Burlington chert. This example displays the long, narrow blade form characteristic of the Morse tradition, dating to roughly 8,500 to 7,500 years ago. The edges are straight to slightly excurvate, tapering into a narrow hafting area that reflects the classic proportions of this Early Archaic knife type.
The chert shows a heavy, naturally developed patination that has softened and blended the original surface colors over time. The material now exhibits a mottled mix of white, multiple shades of brown, and scattered red tones, producing the well aged appearance commonly seen on long buried Early Archaic blades from eastern Missouri.
Workmanship is strong and consistent with authentic Morse manufacture. Both faces show long, controlled percussion thinning flakes that create a thin, well balanced cross section. The edges have been pressure refined to produce a sharp cutting margin, and light use wear along the blade indicates genuine prehistoric use. The overall outline is symmetrical and aligns closely with documented Morse examples from the region.
Provenance is excellent. The knife was found on the Koehler family’s four generation farm in Lincoln County, Missouri, discovered by Donald Koehler, his father, or his grandfather. The farm has produced artifacts for decades, and this piece comes directly from that long established family collection. Accompanied by a Ryan Keele Certificate of Authenticity.
A high quality, unquestionably authentic Early Archaic Morse Knife exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, with excellent workmanship, patination, and long standing provenance.
Condition: Authentic
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