Lot 115
Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, Acheulean, ca. 1.2 million to 500,000 years ago. This amazingly rare hand axe was found in an extremely rare location - the Arabian Desert in Jordan in the 1950's by a London collector. Not only is this hand axe in supreme original condition, it shows incredible flaking and form and an extremely thin, bone-piercing pick end that has survived prehistory, unbroken - a true museum-class example! The is unusually bulbous, likely designed as such to allow a firm grip when used, a practical function as it cushioned the blows to the hand when this axe was used in large game butchering tasks. However the workmanship of this tool suggests this was an item of prestige rather than utilitarian. While simple, it represents the first intelligent design type known to science that was made by primitive humans. Prior to these Acheulian tools, only crude pebble tools existed in the human fossil record. Size: 6.5" L x 3.75" W (16.5 cm x 9.5 cm)
This is an investment-grade Paleolithic artifact. Specimens like this are one in many, many thousands and are exceptionally rare - this piece is "as found" and original condition. Acheulian hand axes of this quality are rare and recent realized prices at major auction houses are proving what we have been saying for years that authentic high grade tools of primitive man remain one of the most promising investments.
Provenance: ex-Bowyer collection, London, UK, found in the 1950s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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#175612
- Condition: Intact and complete, without repair or restoration. Choice bi-color patina from long-term surface exposure on one side.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |