Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 148:
3 1/16" Exceptional Graham Cave found in Lincoln Co., Mo w/ Keele COA
Early Archaic Graham Cave point measuring 3 1/16 inches, displaying the classic wide notches, open shoulders, and blade form associated with this well known type dating to roughly 8,500 to 7,000 years ago. The workmanship is strong and confident, with bold bifacial percussion thinning and pressure refined edges that reflect the skill of an experienced Early Archaic knapper.
Crafted from Bowling Green Brown, a recognized regional variety of Burlington chert, this example was intentionally heat treated in antiquity. While most pieces made from this material retain their natural brown or tan coloration, this specimen was transformed through controlled prehistoric heating into the rich, vibrant red hue seen here. Fully heat treated red Bowling Green Brown Graham Caves are uncommon, making this an especially desirable and visually striking material variant.
The blade shows natural ancient patination with softened flake scars and light edge use wear, indicating genuine prehistoric use. The overall outline is symmetrical and well balanced, aligning closely with documented Early Archaic examples from eastern Missouri.
Provenance is excellent. The point comes from 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.
This artifact is an unquestionably authentic Early Archaic Graham Cave point, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, including its wide notches, open shoulders, and properly thinned blade. The heat treated Bowling Green Brown chert shows genuine ancient surface characteristics with natural patination and softened flake scars consistent with long term age. The red coloration is the result of intentional prehistoric heat treatment, not modern enhancement.
A high quality and unquestionably authentic Graham Cave point, and an exceptional example of the rare heat treated variant.Provenance:
Condition: Authentic
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