Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 150:
Pictured 2 9/16" Clovis found in Butler County, Missouri w/ 2 COA's
Early Paleoindian Clovis point measuring 2 9/16 inches, crafted from richly colored Burlington or Mozarkite chert. The surface shows a deep, naturally developed river patination, while the edges and flake scars remain well preserved—an indication of recovery from a sandy stream environment rather than a heavily abrasive riverbed. The coloration is striking. Although Dwain Rogers referred to the material as jasper, the stone is fully consistent with river patinated Burlington or Mozarkite commonly found in southeast Missouri.
The workmanship is exceptional for a Clovis of this size. Both faces exhibit long, well executed flutes that terminate at nearly identical lengths, a highly desirable trait and a clear indicator of a skilled Paleoindian knapper. The blade edges show careful finishing, and the overall outline is symmetrical and well balanced. The thinning, flute execution, and basal preparation align closely with documented Early Paleoindian examples from the central Mississippi Valley.
This point carries outstanding and well documented provenance. It was found in Butler County, Missouri by Joe Baucom and later entered several prominent collections, including those of Roy Hathcock, Lonnie Hartline, Kent Westbrook, Nick Gatses, and Jeff Gower. It is pictured in Legends of Prehistoric Art, Volume 1, page 124, and may also appear in the 2007 Kent and Johnnie Westbrook Collection book. The artifact is accompanied by both a Dwain Rogers Certificate of Authenticity and a Ryan Keele COA, providing dual expert verification. Its long chain of respected ownership and publication history further solidify its status as a significant Paleoindian artifact.
This artifact is an unquestionably authentic Early Paleoindian Clovis point, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, including its parallel sided blade, expertly executed flutes, and properly thinned basal area. The Burlington or Mozarkite chert shows deep ancient river patination with mineralized surface texture and natural smoothing consistent with long term water exposure. Edge wear is uniform and prehistoric, with no evidence of modern reworking or enhancement.
A high quality and unquestionably authentic Clovis point, supported by excellent workmanship, strong patination, extensive documented provenance, publication history, and dual COAs—an exceptional example of the type.Provenance: Found by Joe Baucom, Butler County, Missouri; Ex Roy Hathcock Collection; Ex Lonnie Hartline Collection; Ex Kent Westbrook Collection; Ex Nick Gatses Collection; Ex Jeff Gower Collection; Rogers COA; Keele COA.
Condition: Authentic
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