Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 254:
Butterfly Bannerstone – 1929 Cris Mound Find, Provenanced
This is an authentic Butterfly (Winged) Bannerstone with a rare and well preserved early provenance label. The handwritten tag reads:
"Found 5/18/1929
by William O. Hutson
Cris Mound
Spencer, Indiana"
The label itself is an important part of the artifact’s history. The paper shows natural oxidation, yellowing, and fiber aging consistent with material nearly a century old. The handwriting displays period correct early twentieth century script, written with fountain pen or dip pen ink that has aged to a matte brown black tone. The ink has soaked into the paper fibers in a way modern dye based inks do not. These characteristics strongly support the authenticity of the label and its 1929 date.
The bannerstone is made from a dense fine grained igneous hardstone, likely diorite. This material was commonly used in the Midwest for high quality winged forms. The reddish brown coloration, tight grain, and the difficulty of drilling all align with diorite or a closely related hardstone. The stone’s toughness also explains the rough hand worked interior of the bore.
Unlike most bannerstones, which show classic biconical bow drilling, this example exhibits a rare hand reamed single ended drilling method. The bore is slightly angled, irregular in shape, rough textured inside, and clearly worked by hand rather than machine. Only an estimated 5 to 10 percent of bannerstones were made using this more primitive drilling technique. The irregular hand worked bore is extremely difficult to fake and strongly supports authenticity.
The bannerstone displays the classic Butterfly or Winged form, with broad flaring ends and a central groove. The surface shows appropriate age, mineralization, and wear consistent with long term burial and early twentieth century recovery.
Provenance:
Found May 18, 1929
Finder: William O. Hutson
Site: Cris Mound, Spencer, Indiana
Ex: John Borrowman Collection
Artifacts with intact early labels are prized by collectors and museums because they preserve historical context that is often lost. This example retains its original handwritten tag, adding significant historical value.
This bannerstone previously had a Jerry Dickey Certificate of Authenticity, but the last owner misplaced it. Guaranteed to recertify if submitted to Jerry Dickey. Ex: John Borrowman Collection.
Butterfly bannerstones are among the most iconic and visually striking forms. Examples with documented early provenance, especially with a readable 1929 label, are increasingly scarce. The unusual drilling method and high quality hardstone material make this piece especially desirable for advanced collectors and educational displays.
Measurements:
Approximately 3 3/4 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall
An authentic Butterfly Bannerstone made from fine grained igneous hardstone, likely diorite, featuring a rare hand reamed bore, a 1929 handwritten provenance label with period correct ink and paper aging, and a guarantee to recertify with Jerry Dickey. A historically documented and highly collectible example.
Condition: Authentic
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