Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 196:
4" Chesterfield Spear found in Monroe Co., Mo by Brian Evans
This stout Chesterfield spear point measures approximately 4 inches and is crafted from a light high quality central Missouri chert. The surface shows well developed natural patination, including a soft mineral sheen in recessed flake scars, subtle smoothing from river tumbling, and gentle toning consistent with authentic age. The material retains its original archaeological texture with no signs of modern alteration or enhancement.
The workmanship is strong and confident, reflecting the durable construction for which Chesterfields are known. Both faces exhibit broad well struck percussion thinning flakes, producing overlapping scars across the midsection and forming the classic robust medial ridge. The blade edges are well supported and show controlled pressure retouch along the margins. The point’s intentional thickness through the center is characteristic of the type, designed for strength during use as a spear or dart point.
In form, this example displays all defining Chesterfield traits, including a broad blade with slightly expanding shoulders, a sturdy midsection with a pronounced central ridge, a straight to subtly contracting stem, and a flat to lightly concave base. The overall outline is symmetrical and aligns closely with documented Missouri examples.
Condition is excellent for a river found artifact. The tip remains intact with only minor ancient use wear, the blade edges show genuine prehistoric retouch, and the base is complete and original. There are no modern chips, resharpening, or restoration, and the surface retains its natural unaltered archaeological patina.
This artifact was recovered in Monroe County, Missouri, an area well known for Late Archaic and Woodland lithic traditions. The named finder, Brian Evans, provides solid verifiable provenance, making this a desirable and well documented example for collectors.
This artifact is an authentic Chesterfield spear point, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type including its broad blade, robust medial ridge, and straight to contracting stem. The central Missouri chert shows proper ancient patination with softened flake scars, mineralized surface texture, and river worn smoothing consistent with long term natural exposure. Edge wear is uniform and natural with no evidence of modern reworking or enhancement. Based on its form, workmanship, patination, and documented Monroe County provenance, this is a high quality unquestionably authentic Chesterfield and an excellent example of the type.
Provenance: Found by Brian Evans, Monroe County, Missouri.
Condition: Authentic
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