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Denver, PA, United States
Auction Details
Morphy Auctions Sat, May 17th 2014 Auction
Morphy?s May 17 Prehistoric American Artifacts Auction presents a world-class rarity: the celebrated Parks Birdstone
Also featured: Hopewell ceremonial Ross blade, bannerstones, points, game stones
One of the world?s five finest prehistoric birdstones occupies the top roost in Morphy?s May 17 auction of superior-quality, vetted and fully warranted prehistoric American artifacts. Known as the Parks Birdstone, the celebrated artifact estimated to be around 2,500 years old has remained in the same family since 1951, when it was discovered in a plowed field in DeKalb County, Indiana. It ended up in the collection of renowned collector Cameron Parks, hence the name ?Parks Birdstone.?
?Top birdstones have sold privately for $800,000 to $900,000. Because of its mystical and unique blue halo, the Parks Birdstone should set a world record price on May 17th ? not only for a birdstone, but also for any North American prehistoric art object,? said John Mark Clark, the department head and specialist who is supervising the auction.
Another premier entry is an 8-inch-long translucent orange kaolin flint Ross blade from the Hopewell culture that flourished along rivers in the northeastern and Midwestern United States from 200 BC to 500 AD. An exalted ceremonial piece, the blade is described by Clark as ?exotic ceremonial regalia, so rare it would have been reserved for only the most elite. Now, many centuries later, it is still a prize suitable for only the most select, high-end collection.? The Ross blade is expected to make in excess of $200,000.
Trophy game stones or, ?discoidals,? are well represented in the auction. An exquisite, double-cupped example displays impeccable balance and form, while other highly desirable discoidals include one of red and white "flint" with highly polished cups, three exquisite Jersey Bluff-style quartz discs and several of Cahokia style.
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