Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 198:
2 1/2" Hardove (Ocala) Transitional Point found in Lincoln Co., Missouri
This Late Archaic Hardove (Ocala) transitional point measures approximately 2 1/2 inches and is crafted from high quality white Burlington chert. The material displays a soft mineralized surface and even patination characteristic of long term burial, with subtle color variation typical of weathered Burlington. The workmanship reflects the classic transitional traits between Dovetail and Hardin technology, including a slightly expanding blade, moderate shoulder development, and a well defined stem that is narrower and more refined than a Dovetail but broader than a true Hardin. Both faces show controlled percussion thinning with clean well executed pressure retouch along the blade edges.
The base is properly shaped and thinned, and all flake scars exhibit natural patination with no evidence of modern reworking. Edge wear and weathering are uniform, supporting genuine prehistoric age.
This artifact 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. The material, workmanship, and regional context align perfectly with known Hardove or Ocala transitional finds from eastern Missouri and the surrounding Midwest.
This artifact is an authentic Hardove (Ocala) transitional point, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type including its intermediate stem form, moderate shoulder expression, and well controlled bifacial thinning. The white Burlington chert shows proper ancient patination with softened flake scars and mineralized surface texture consistent with long term burial. Uniform edge wear further supports genuine prehistoric use. Based on its form, workmanship, patination, and documented Missouri provenance, this is a high quality unquestionably authentic transitional Hardove or Ocala and an excellent example of the type.
Provenance: Ex: Koehler Family Collection; Found in Lincoln County, Missouri.
Condition: Authentic
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