Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 147:
Exceptional 5 1/2" Agate Basin found in Scott Co., Ill w/ Keele COA
Large Paleoindian Agate Basin blade measuring 5 1/2 inches long, expertly crafted in the classic early lanceolate form. The knapper executed long, controlled parallel bifacial thinning flakes across both faces, producing a refined, symmetrical blade with a balanced taper from base to tip. Fine pressure retouch along the margins enhances the sleek Paleo profile, and the workmanship aligns closely with high quality Agate Basin examples documented throughout the central Midwest.
The blade is made from a brown Kaolin family chert, a material occasionally selected by early knappers in Illinois. The stone displays the subtle density variation and mixed surface textures characteristic of this chert type, including alternating zones of smooth glassy silica and micro rough patinated surfaces. A faint internal gray line visible under angled light reflects natural chalcedony like banding, and the tip shows a distinct red iron oxide stain, likely the result of long term burial chemistry or ancient low temperature thermal cycling. When held to a strong light source, the blade shows only slight edge translucence comparable to Burlington, while the body remains fully opaque.
At 5 1/2 inches long and about 1 inch wide, this is a large Paleo blade well within the upper size range for Illinois Agate Basin examples. It was field found in Scott County, Illinois, an area with a well documented Paleoindian presence and a long history of producing high quality early horizon tools.
Provenance is excellent. The artifact comes from the Jim Davis Collection and later the Rob Carter Collection, both respected long time collectors known for maintaining high quality, well provenanced material. It is accompanied by two independent Certificates of Authenticity: a Ryan Keele COA and an earlier Dwain Rogers COA dated 2007. Both examiners misidentified the material, an understandable error given the subtle, region specific nature of Illinois Kaolin family cherts. The density variation, surface texture, internal banding, and localized iron oxide coloration align far more closely with Kaolin family chert than with Burlington or any tan phase material.
This artifact is an unquestionably authentic Paleoindian Agate Basin blade, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, including long parallel thinning scars, a well balanced lanceolate outline, and fine pressure refined edges. The Kaolin family chert shows genuine ancient patination with softened flake scars, mineralized surface texture, and natural density variation consistent with long term weathering. Edge wear is uniform and prehistoric, with no evidence of modern reworking or enhancement.
A high quality, investment grade Paleoindian blade supported by strong provenance, excellent workmanship, and dual COAs.Provenance:
Condition: Authentic
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