Western Europe, Northern France, Oise Department, Longueil, Paleolithic, late Oldowan to Acheulean period, ca. 800,000 to 350,000 years ago. A superb European Acheulean flint bifacial hand axe was fashioned by Homo erectus (H. heidelbergensis), the first humans to occupy Europe! Dating back to the Lower Paleolithic Period, made in the Acheulian Tradition, and was the predominant tool technology of the Homo erectus people in Europe from 1 million years ago to possibly as recent as 130,000 years ago. Skillfully crafted from golden flint of Le Grand Pressigny as opposed to the much more common gray flint, this was likely a tool of pride and prestige as much as it would have been prized for its material and purpose. Given its size, heft, and wear pattern, it is highly probable that this hand axe was used to smash open the major bones of Ice Age large game animals such as mammoths, bison, horses, and rhinos. Millennia of burial and age deepened the patina to a pumpkin hue, adding further beauty to this tool! Size: 6" L x 3.5" W (15.2 cm x 8.9 cm)

Fine quality European Acheulean tools are significantly rarer than their Saharan counterparts. Many of these artifacts move from one private collection to the next due to the destruction, development, or protection of archaeological sites. In recent decades, European auctions have consistently set records for the highest prices realized on exceptional examples of Prehistoric European stone tools. However, despite the escalating buyer demand and the scarcity of top-grade specimens, prices for Paleolithic artifacts still do not fully reflect their substantial rarity. As the market continues to expand and enthusiasts pursue the best pieces, it becomes evident that the actual number of these artifacts is limited! This specimen stands out as one of the finest examples of early Acheulean European hand axe technology. It exhibits exceptional workmanship for its period, showcasing masterfully executed flaking on both sides and a well-designed hand grip. Most notably, there is evident polishing and use wear on the tip, a rarity among artifacts of this age.

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.

Provenance: ex-private French collection, formed in the 1950s

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#184096

Complete and intact, no repair or restoration. Heavy prehistoric patina and mineral deposits. Darkened to a stunning pumpkin orange-golden hue!