What is this?

[Zep68]

My aunt gave me what appears to be an Indian knife. She got it from her neighbor and then she gave it to me about 6 years ago. I'm not sure where it was found. I'm guessing it was found in northern Minnesota which is where my aunt lived at the time it was given to her. It looks like it is made from flint and it measures about 6 inches long. Can anyone verify if it is made out of flint? What is something like this worth? Any other info that anyone can give would be much appreciated. I can get more pictures of it if needed.

Thanks!

[Tdog]

Yep it's made of some type of flint and may be worth as much as... I don't know. Looks like a bi-face so not paleo. Probably around $20 IMO.

[Steve Valentine]

It's definitely a type of Flint, though I can't say for sure what type from your picture. Very nice looking Knife and at 6 inches worth a lot more than $20. I usually don't price items because I don't get into the "what's it worth" thing, but I would say at the very least $75 to $100 for that and maybe more. Since it was a gift from your aunt you should keep it though.

[Zep68]

Thanks for the comments so far. If you need more detailed pictures please let me know where on the knife you need to see better. I want to try and get as much info as I can on this.

[Indianasmith]

The best way to get high quality pictures of artifacts is outside, in natural but indirect sunlight - out on the porch on a sunny day, maybe, but in the shade of the awning. Lay a ruler alongside of it, and either use the macro focus on your camera, or if it's a newer model, just let the autofocus do its thing. You woud be amazed at the detail it picks up!

Killer knife, by the way!

[joshuaream]

Nice piece, as was said, pictures outside in the day light might give us a better look at the material.

Value would depend on different things, thickness, color, translucency, workmanship, etc.

Originally Posted by Tdog

Looks like a bi-face so not paleo.

Tdog, it doesn't look paleo to me but there are lots of bifacial paleo knives out there. In many areas unifacial knifes are considered exclusively paleo by some collectors, but the reverse isn't true.

[Zep68]

I hope these pictures will do.

[oklasodak]

If it's from northern Minnesota, it is not a very common object. Neat acquisition!

[Indianasmith]

That is a very nice bifacially flaked knife. Pieces similar to that were made by many cultures over a very long period of time, so it is hard to pin down a specific age or tribal affiliation. But what you have is a large and very nicely made Indian artifact. Treasure it!

[sixeight]

Those pics are better. And that's a very nice piece!