Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 156:
Well Made 6 1/2" Wadlow Blade found in Lincoln Co., Missouri
This Late Archaic Wadlow blade measures approximately 6 1/2 inches and is crafted from high quality Burlington chert. The material shows the soft mineralized surface and settled patination expected of a piece recovered in the early to mid 1900s, with subtle gray and cream variations typical of weathered Burlington. Both faces exhibit broad, well controlled percussion thinning, producing a long, narrow, and symmetrical blade form. The edges are finished with careful pressure retouch, and all flake scars display proper ancient patination with no signs of modern reworking, grinding, or enhancement.
The workmanship reflects the refined blade making skill characteristic of Wadlow examples from the central Mississippi Valley. The blade’s proportions, including its parallel to slightly expanding sides, well thinned cross section, and clean elongated outline, align closely with classic Wadlow typology. Flake patterns are consistent and well integrated across both faces, and the base shows the expected smoothing and ancient wear associated with long term burial followed by early twentieth century recovery.
This artifact comes from the Koehler family’s four generation farm in Lincoln County, Missouri, discovered by Donald Koehler, his father, or his grandfather during routine fieldwork in the early to mid 1900s. The farm has produced artifacts for decades, and this blade comes directly from that long established family collection. Its material, workmanship, and regional context align perfectly with known Wadlow finds from eastern Missouri and the surrounding Midwest.
This artifact is an unquestionably authentic Wadlow blade, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type including its elongated form, expertly thinned faces, and refined edgework. The Burlington chert shows proper ancient patination with softened flake scars, mineralized surface texture, and uniform weathering consistent with long term burial and early twentieth century recovery. No modern flaking, grinding, or alteration is present.
Condition: Authentic
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