Preform???

[EDaniels]

Not really sure what to make of my latest find. I've heard of them but have never seen a preform myself. I also have never found a point that is shaped like this with what appears to me as alot of working. It's size has me stumped also. I found it along the Chenango river in Chenango Co. New York. The area has a vast history of Native American influence. Any thoughts and input always appreciated. View attachment 1923618 View attachment 1923617

 

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[antmike915]

Looks like a small blade too me.

 

[outlaws15]

Very cool find. I would trust antmike assessment without hesitation.
Let me see if I can get this right. A preform is a piece that has been started, but not finished. So probably be bigger and not as much work on it as your find. This is a generalized defination.
Your piece has a lot of work and is really a nice piece.
Hope this helps

 

[EDaniels]

That's what had me scratching my head was the size and amount of work on it.

 

[uniface]

Little biface. Used as a knife. Good quality material, so used and re-used after resharpenings.

 

[MAMucker]

It’s a complete piece and well made. I agree with Uni on knife as probable use. But, it’s size is not unusual

 

[dognose]

The size and shape sort of looks like a well made Turtleback Scraper.
Scraper-Turtleback | OverstreetID.com

These are very well formed and shaped thumb type scrapers. Unlike most flake or thumb scrapers, a turtleback scraper has flaking all over the upper part part of the scraper and a flat or sometimes curved lower. Most are very well flaked and often on higher quality material. Often humped on the upper side with a median ridge.

I have found many many thumb and flake scrapers, but only three turtleback scrapers that I can recall. two made of Harrison county flint and one of Flintridge.

Is there fine edgework on the area the red arrows are pointing to? I could not tell when magnified

 

[MAMucker]

A turtle back Scraper (universally) would be a tool that is Round to Oval and Hump shaped (similar to a turtle shell). The underside of the scraper is flat (usually unifacial) and it is Steeply worked all the way around the outside edges. It’s not unusual to find one with cortex on the hump.

 

[MAMucker]

I believe the item in this post could be a well-made Hafted ‘Thumb’ Scraper. It appears to have a steep edge on the wide end. But, it just as well could be a small duel-function Utility Knife.
It would help if you took a clear photo from the side (edge) long-ways, showing a silhouette of the whole profile.

 

[EDaniels]

I believe the item in this post could be a well-made Hafted ‘Thumb’ Scraper. It appears to have a steep edge on the wide end. But, it just as well could be a small duel-function Utility Knife.
It would help if you took a clear photo from the side (edge) long-ways, showing a silhouette of the whole profile.

Hopefully these will help.

 

[MAMucker]

My guess: It was a point that had the stem broken off and salvaged as a Knife.

 

[outlaws15]

Good pictures

Hopefully these will help. View attachment 1925089 View attachment 1925090 View attachment 1925091 View attachment 1925092 View attachment 1925093 View attachment 1925094

 

[EDaniels]

A turtle back Scraper (universally) would be a tool that is Round to Oval and Hump shaped (similar to a turtle shell). The underside of the scraper is flat (usually unifacial) and it is Steeply worked all the way around the outside edges. It’s not unusual to find one with cortex on the hump.

I checked out Overstreet and found the info posted below. It seems to fit the description for sure.

 

[MAMucker]

Well, I gave you my opinion (fwiw). That’s about the best I can do based on your very good photos. I still believe it’s a knife salvaged from a point that had it’s stem broken off. But, you may get other opinions that agree with your ID.
Good find either way.

 

[EDaniels]

Well, I gave you my opinion (fwiw). That’s about the best I can do based on your very good photos. I still believe it’s a knife salvaged from a point that had it’s stem broken off. But, you may get other opinions that agree with your ID.
Good find either way.

If I've offended you I apologize as that wasn't my intent at all. I guess I get overwhelmed trying to ID different pieces as there are so many different ones but some are very similar. I'm just trying to learn all I can.

 

[MAMucker]

If I've offended you I apologize as that wasn't my intent at all. I guess I get overwhelmed trying to ID different pieces as there are so many different ones but some are very similar. I'm just trying to learn all I can.

Not at all. I was just describing what I think I see in your photos. We learn from each other by kicking our observations and knowledge back and forth. I’ve had my mind changed more than once here by friends helping me to see clearly the small details that evaded me.

No offense taken. I enjoyed participating. Looking forward to seeing more of your NY finds.

 

[EDaniels]

Not at all. I was just describing what I think I see in your photos. We learn from each other by kicking our observations and knowledge back and forth. I’ve had my mind changed more than once here by friends helping me to see clearly the small details that evaded me.

No offense taken. I enjoyed participating. Looking forward to seeing more of your NY finds.

Thank you for your input and willingness to pass your knowledge on. I've run into some who are not so willing to do so. Again thank you.

 

[H.P.]

The reason a turtle back scraper , preform or any other similar lookin tool is called by that name is cuzz they have an oval shape...therefore I believe overstreet is in error when calling a pointy tool a turtle back...It’s a question of logic...nice find.