Corner-Notched Projectile Point

A stone projectile point, commonly referred to as an arrowhead, featuring a distinct corner-notched base and an ovate or triangular blade. Found in Beach Haven, Pennsylvania, this artifact appears to be crafted from a dark, fine-grained lithic material such as chert or rhyolite, which are common to the Susquehanna River Valley. The item exhibits bifacial reduction with visible percussion and pressure flaking scars across its surface. The tip shows some degree of rounding or possible impact fracture, while the edges display minor serration or wear consistent with use as a cutting tool or projectile. The base is relatively flat to slightly concave, with defined notches that would have facilitated hafting to a shaft. The surface is obscured by significant calcification, mineral deposits, or adhering soil, giving it a light-tan mottled appearance over the dark stone. Based on the morphology and regional context of Northeastern Pennsylvania, this point likely dates to the Archaic period, potentially within the Brewerton or similar corner-notched traditions ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 years old. The craftsmanship shows a high level of prehistoric lithic technology, despite the weathering and surface patina.

I have examined the images of the corner-notched projectile point recovered from Beach Haven, Pennsylvania. The artifact exhibits morphological characteristics consistent with the Brewerton Corner-Notched tradition of the Middle to Late Archaic period. The bifacial reduction, pressure flaking along the margins, and the specific patina—characterized by significant calcification and mineral leaching—strongly suggest prehistoric origin rather than modern reproduction. The material appears to be a high-quality lithic, likely a dark chert or rhyolite local to the Susquehanna River Valley. The condition is fair to good; while the notches remain intact, the visible impact fracture at the distal end and significant surface encrustation, while proving age, slightly detract from the aesthetic symmetry desired by high-end collectors. Market demand for localized Archaic points remains steady but is primarily driven by advanced collectors of regional lithics. Comparisons to similar authenticated Brewerton points sold at specialty ethnographic auctions generally place values in the double-digit range unless the specimen exhibits exceptional size or rare material (e.g., translucent chalcedony). The $35-$65 valuation reflects its status as a common regional type with minor damage. Please note that this appraisal is based on visual data only. A definitive determination of authenticity requires physical inspection to verify flake scar patterns under magnification and to ensure the patina is not chemically induced. Full authentication would require documented provenance or a letter of opinion from a specialist in Northeastern lithics to reach the upper end of the price spectrum.