A couple of points.. Clovis?

[digi-shots]

Over the years, I’ve collected, searched, and have been given lots of odds and ends.

These two points were given to me quite a few years ago… I never realized how important it was to record where they were found. One looks very similar to a Clovis (with about 1/3 fluted)… not sure about the other one.

In searching some of the threads posted here, I learned quite a bit. Can anyone tell me if these are period items (especially the fluted one) or newly napped?

Thanks for looking… I appreciate the shared knowledge.

 

[Tdog]

There is only one piece pictured that looks Clovis--esp. in pic1 & pic2. There are many hinges on it that I would expect to already be popped off due to repetitive freezing and thawing over 12,000 YBP. Unknown origin of material, material type, context, general location are unanswered questions. I know there are many more considerations to authenticate but my gut tells me.? I hope I'm wrong. You need to get a professional opinion on a piece like that. It could be worth a lot of $$$$. Good luck.

 

[Older The Better]

Yeah it’s almost too nice, but I’m not well versed on spotting repos, I prefer to find my own, that way there’s no doubt… if it’s real it’s a fantastic Clovis.
Is the base ground? Do you see any copper flecks?

 

[digi-shots]

I don’t see any copper flakes.. here are a few more pics..

 

[smokeythecat]

I vote genuine. One thought - judging from the size on the penny in the pic, most folks who make the new clovis points tend to make them BIG and that is not the case with your point. I like it.

 

[antmike915]

The hinge fractures make me wanna say reproduction on the Clovis. During my digging days in Florida I found a few (mid to late archaic) with some hinge fractures but there's not many cold days in Florida, it's either hot or insane hot.

 

[newnan man]

Send it to Jim Bennet. He's one of the best to authenticate points.

 

[dognose]

Do you recall where these were from?

The person who gave them to you, are you still in contact with them? If so speak to them about the points and try to figure out the location - If they found them or not.

I have found relics here in Indiana with fractures that have not been popped off from the freeze thaw action. Not many, but I have found a few. So while that is a worthwhile indicator, its only one of many.

A 30 and 60 power loupe would be needed to spot any microscopic copper flakes left from kanpping, unless very large remnants remain. But that is rare. It also could be the knapper used an antler billet, so the absence of copper is also only one of many indicators.

The location found is important on what to expect to find on the surface. Water finds will often have a different patina than field finds. Likewise, water action and sand over thousands of years will result in polish.

The material looks like hornstone or senora to me from the photos. But it could be Knox. Both hornstone or senora tend to patina nicely and most I have found are not very clean. meaning mineralization nodules are seen with the naked eye. All three where utilized in Paleo time.

The bottom looks like Harrodsburg chert to me, and with the numbering and what looks like mineralization is likely authentic, but it's the lessor valuable item here. Other fossiliferous cherts of the Midwest are similar may be Bisher, Brassfield and some Muldraugh - according to "Prehistoric Chert Types of the Midwest."

The paleo point does not look like it has any mineralization, so I am on the fence leaning towards reproduction. Handling and visual inspection with a powerful loupe or microscope would be needed to have a more definite opinion. So, I agree with the others, take it to a relic show and get others opinion who can do a hands-on inspection.

Being in Verginia you're in luck, there a number of Piedmont Archaeological Society of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia members who have extensive Paleo relic collections. I am sure they could help you out. Check the CSASI web site for relic show events. This year's events will be posted in the next few months most likely.

 

[Relicgrubber]

Yeah it doesnt look right from the pictures posted. It also looks to be made from Edwards Plateau Chert (from Texas) which is a common material used for many reproduction projectiles I have seen.

 

[digi-shots]

Thanks for all the replies… there are various rock mineral shows that are held nearby during the year. I’ll see if I can’t stop by the next show.

Over the years, I’ve collected and have been given various points. I have most of them in a large riker mount - I have no idea of what they are or where they came from. I do have a small booklet to compare images and the internet has quite a bit of information.

The points are all interesting but I still value the common ordinary points I have found myself. I know they’re good and where they were found. I have them displayed separate from the rest. There’s excitement to see a bit of pottery or the edge of a point partially hidden in the dirt.

Now that I realize some points are readily faked, I may have to go though what I have and get them checked out.