Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 168:
4 3/4" Sedalia found in Monroe County, Missouri
This well made Sedalia knife measures approximately 4 3/4 inches and is crafted from high quality Burlington chert. The surface shows a heavy naturally developed river patination, including deep smoothing along the blade edges, softened flake scars, and a mineralized sheen in recessed areas. This type of patination is characteristic of long term water exposure and gives the piece a rich well aged archaeological appearance. The surface is original and unaltered, with no signs of modern cleaning or enhancement.
The workmanship is strong and consistent with classic Sedalia manufacture. Both faces exhibit broad well struck percussion thinning flakes, producing long sweeping scars across the blade. The edges show careful pressure retouch, and the overall outline is symmetrical and well balanced. The blade expands gracefully toward the tip, and the base is properly shaped and thinned in true Sedalia fashion. The size, form, and workmanship align closely with documented Late Archaic examples from Missouri and the surrounding Midwest.
Condition is excellent for a heavily river patinated artifact. The blade edges show genuine prehistoric retouch, the tip remains intact with only minor ancient use wear, and the base is complete and original. The patination is consistent across all surfaces, with no evidence of modern resharpening, restoration, or alteration.
This artifact was recovered in Monroe County, Missouri, an area well known for its Late Archaic lithic traditions. The named finder, Brian Evans, provides solid and verifiable provenance, making this a desirable and well documented example for collectors.
Authentication: This artifact is an authentic Late Archaic Sedalia knife, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, including its expanding blade, broad percussion thinning, and well defined base. The Burlington chert shows proper ancient river patination, with softened flake scars, mineralized surface texture, and natural smoothing consistent with long term water exposure. Edge wear is uniform and prehistoric, with no signs of modern reworking or enhancement. Based on its form, workmanship, patination, and documented Monroe County provenance, this is a high quality unquestionably authentic Sedalia and an excellent example of the type.
Condition: Authentic
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