Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 252:
4 7/8" Sedalia Found in Franklin County, Missouri
This well made Sedalia blade measures 4 inches and is crafted from Bowling Green Brown chert, a recognized sub type of Burlington chert known for its warm brown coloration and durable grain structure. The piece displays the classic elongated sturdy blade form associated with Sedalia points from central and eastern Missouri. Both faces show broad well controlled percussion thinning that produces a strong lenticular cross section, while the edges exhibit careful pressure retouch that maintains clean symmetry and a refined cutting surface.
A notable feature of this example is the reddened tip, caused by natural heat exposure in the ground. When chert is subjected to ancient fire events such as grass fires, hearths, or burned soil horizons, the silica structure can shift, turning the stone from brown to red in localized areas. This color change is a well known indicator of prehistoric thermal alteration and is fully consistent with long term burial in fire affected soil.
The workmanship is fully consistent with the Late Archaic Sedalia tradition, featuring long thinning flakes, a straight balanced profile, and a strong well defined base. The surface shows natural patination and mineralization appropriate for age, with no evidence of modern reworking. The material and flaking style align closely with known Sedalia blades from the region.
This example comes from the James Bond Collection, a respected Missouri assemblage, and was found in Franklin County, Missouri, an area well known for producing classic Sedalia blades.
This artifact is an authentic Sedalia point, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, including long bifacial thinning flakes, a robust lenticular cross section, and refined pressure flaked edges. The Bowling Green Brown chert shows proper natural patination, and the fire reddened tip reflects genuine ancient heat exposure rather than modern alteration. Based on its form, workmanship, patination, thermal discoloration, and documented Missouri provenance, this is a strong unquestionably authentic Sedalia blade and an excellent example of the type.
Provenance: Ex: James Bond Collection; Found in Franklin County, Missouri.
Condition: Authentic
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