antique Copper spear point (4000 years old)

Item Description

Found near the workings of the Cliff Mine in upper Michigan, are numerous old copper artifacts. Because of the ease of finding the outcrop, with copper of nearly pure and workable form near the surface, the ancient local Americans had some skill and use for copper at a time when others did not. Spearpoints and arrowheads are sometimes found. This, however, is a superlative example of a rat tailed spear point, estimated to be 4000 years old. When I saw this for sale, I showed this to Tom Bee; and he still remembers getting and selling it to Rock decades ago. It is superbly formed and preserved, and was believed to be authentic by those (like Tom) who know more than me. Tom Bee still specializes as a dealer and collector in antique specimens and classics (I grew up seeing his ads in 1970s-1980s mineral magazines, showing off amazing old minerals!). So, while we have no authentication ourselves, I feel confident in the provenance of Thomas Bee and Rock Currier here. A fascinating historic mineral artifact!