Lot 125a, Auction 4/3/2026: Egyptian Predynastic Chert Knife w/ Hippo Tooth Handle

$3,250.00

In stock

Ancient Egypt, Predynastic Period, Naqada III, ca. 3310 to 3000 BCE. A rare bifacial chert knife with a tapered, finely knapped blade and a fitted organic handle, likely hippo tooth, which has developed a deep umber-brown patina from age and handling. The blade is worked to a sharp point with broad flake scars visible along both faces, while the grip is smoothly shaped with longitudinal striations and a rounded terminal. One side of the blade bears an old, now largely illegible inscription, probably an early collection number or collector’s note. Size: 6.5″ L x 1.25″ W (16.5 cm x 3.2 cm)

Condition: The handle shows an old repair and may have been professionally reattached to the knife blade. Stable condition.

Provenance: private London, UK collection, acquired after 2015; ex-Jean-Loup Despras, France collection, acquired in 1982; ex-Elsa Bloch-Diener, Switzerland collection, acquired in 1977

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

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