Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2085:
Description
This remarkable assemblage features a rare paleontological specimen: a fossilized vertebra with an embedded lithic point, suggesting a prehistoric hunt. Accompanying this are ten loose projectile points and blades showing various stages of percussion flaking, along with a large, ovate biface. The collection includes a “star” arrangement of small, colorful points on cardstock, complete with a typed provenance key identifying find locations in Armstrong and Sully counties (central South Dakota) dating to 1937–1939. This specific region, bisected by the Missouri River, is historically rich in Mandan, Arikara, and Lakota heritage. Notably, the card is hand-signed in blue pen “R.V. Summerside” on the reverse. Historical records from the Pierre area identify the Summerside family as early settlers, and Robert V. Summerside was a resident of Pierre during the 1930s, placing this collection firmly within a documented local context. Materials range from mottled cherts and jaspers to quartzites. The items show expected age-related wear, with some points having minor tip or base chips; the bone shows natural mineralization and fragile porous structures. Fossil: H 2.5″, W 3.25″, D 4″; Card: H 8″, W 6.25″, D 0.25″; Large Biface: H 5″, W 3.25″, D 0.75″. Please see photos.
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