Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 2:
3 3/4" Harrison Turkeytail – Ex: Koehler Family Collection
This 3 3/4 inch Harrison Turkeytail blade is made from high quality Fort Payne chert and displays the thin delicate workmanship associated with this ceremonial Woodland period type. The blade is expertly thinned by percussion with subtle micro flaking along the edges that produces the refined leaflike profile expected of true Harrison forms. The lightly constricted hafting area and overall symmetry are fully consistent with classic Turkeytail manufacture.
The material is an attractive caramel brown Fort Payne chert showing the smooth waxy texture and tight grain structure typical of Tennessee region deposits. The surface shows excellent even patination indicating long term burial and unquestionable age.
This blade comes from the three generation collection of Donald Koehler his father and his grandfather. The Koehler family accumulated artifacts for over a century with most pieces personally found in Lincoln County Missouri though some items were obtained from other states through travel or exchange. While the exact circumstances of this blades acquisition are unknown the material and workmanship strongly support a Tennessee origin.
This artifact is an authentic Harrison Turkeytail blade exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the Woodland period type. It shows the classic thin expertly thinned body with long controlled percussion flakes and delicate micro flaking along the edges producing the refined leaflike profile expected of true Harrison forms. The lightly constricted hafting area overall symmetry and blade proportions align with documented examples from the Tennessee and central South region.
The Fort Payne chert displays proper natural patination with softened flake scars mineralized surface texture and even coloration consistent with long term burial. The materials smooth waxy luster and tight grain structure further support its identification as genuine Fort Payne.
Based on its form workmanship patination and material characteristics this is a strong unquestionably authentic Harrison Turkeytail and an excellent example of the type.
Provenance. Ex Koehler Family Collection Lincoln County Missouri
Condition: Authentic
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