Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 236:
5" Outstanding Sedalia Knife Late Archaic Ex Koehler Lincoln MO
This exceptional Late Archaic Sedalia knife measures approximately 5 inches in length and is expertly crafted from high grade white Burlington chert. The material displays the soft chalky luster and subtle mineral clouding characteristic of well patinated Burlington, with an even surface tone reflecting long term burial. Sedalias of this size and refinement are notably scarce, and this example shows the classic traits of the type, including long graceful blade edges, a broad leaf shaped outline, and well controlled thinning along both faces.
The workmanship is unusually fine, with clean percussion flaking and carefully executed edge finishing that produces a balanced symmetrical profile. The base is neatly shaped and properly thinned, consistent with authentic Late Archaic knife manufacture. All visible flake scars exhibit natural patination, and there is no indication of modern reworking or enhancement. The coloration and texture align perfectly with known Archaic period Burlington chert artifacts from the region.
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 Sedalia finds from eastern Missouri and the surrounding Midwest.
This artifact is an authentic Late Archaic Sedalia knife, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type including its elongated leaf shaped form, refined bifacial thinning, and carefully shaped base. The white Burlington chert shows proper ancient patination with softened flake scars and mineralized surface texture consistent with long term burial. Edge wear is uniform and natural, further supporting genuine prehistoric age.
Based on its form, workmanship, patination, and documented Missouri provenance, this is a high quality unquestionably authentic Sedalia and an unusually fine example of the type.
Provenance: Ex: Koehler Family Collection; Found in Lincoln County, Missouri.
Condition: Authentic
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