Etley Projectile Point Value Guide

The Etley Projectile Point is a significant diagnostic artifact of the Titterington Phase, representing the skilled craftsmanship of Late Archaic hunter-gatherers in the American Midwest. These large bifacial tools are highly collectible due to their dual-purpose history as both formidable spear points and versatile butchering knives.

What Is Etley Projectile Point Worth?

The typical price range for Etley Projectile Point is $70 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the edges and tip, as significant prehistoric use-wear or modern damage can lower the $70-$75 valuation.
• The quality and color of the specific chert or flint used in the knapping process.
• Provenance and find location within the core Titterington Phase regions of the American Midwest.
• Overall symmetry and the precision of the square stem's execution.

How to Identify Etley Projectile Point?

• Look for a distinctive broad, elongated blade with a characteristic square or rectangular stem.
• Examine the material for high-quality Midwestern chert or flint, typical of Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa origins.
• Identify the bifacial flaking pattern which indicates the point was worked on both sides to create a sharp, durable edge.
• Verify the size, as authentic Etley points are notably larger than standard arrowheads, reflecting their use as spear tips or knives.

History of Etley Projectile Point

Etley points are diagnostic of the Titterington Phase of the Late Archaic period in the American Midwest, primarily found in Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. These large, well-crafted tools were utilized by hunter-gatherer societies between 4,000 and 3,000 years ago, serving as versatile implements for both hunting and butchering. Their size and the skill required to knap them suggest they were highly valued items within their culture.