My First Axe - Indiana full groove

[dognose]

After finding my first celt, a flared bit celt, in 1967, I entered a drought in the field of hardstone. (pun intended)
Oddly enough, it took till 1990 to find my first grooved axe. I had found a hardstone celt in Jefferson County Missouri in the late 70's.
This axe opened the flood gates to further hardstone finds. This was found early in 1990. After this axe was found I believe I have found one to many virtually every year since.
It's not the best I have found. In fact, it's one towards the bottom of the scale.
This axe was found in Hancock County Indiana, about 3 miles from my house.
I had found this field back in the mid 80's. I hunted the field virtually weekly from then on. I had a government position I could make my own hours and would take a day or two off during the "hot" hunting times and hit it hard. Sometimes take just the afternoon off to walk. But I had many, many good days in the field.

This axe also exhibits a common feature found on many of the axes I have found, both three quarter groove and full groove. On the poll end, the left side has a flat slanted side which is perpendicular to the edge face of the axe bit. I theorize this was the location of a wedge of some sort pounded into the hafted area to make the haft tighter. Just a theory.

 

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[Oldrvrrat57]

I have always wondered why axes are not as valuable as flint artifacts, when I was heavey into hunting arrowheads I would find 50 points or more before I would find an axe or celt. Wish I would have held onto them. Nice full groover!!

 

[The Lonely Explorer]

I have always wondered why axes are not as valuable as flint artifacts, when I was heavey into hunting arrowheads I would find 50 points or more before I would find an axe or celt. Wish I would have held onto them. Nice full groover!!

Why do you say they're not as valuable?

I know some flint artifacts go for insane prices, but common field quality points go for dirt cheap. I've picked up frames of field grade points for $1-2$ per point.

Most axes I see found, and the one I've found myself are field grade with some damage or just not that big / made of a rare material. Even then, even the crappiest axes I've seen sell for $75-$100. I found a full grooved / polished axe made out of green granite or gneiss and a local collector offered me $250, and it's damaged on the pole side.

I think it just boils down to common versus rare. Axes aren't rare, they're not as common as points, but they're not rare. The material and style can be rare, which is when the prices get nuts. A private collector near me showed me a fluted axe he purchased back in the 90's for $3,000. It wasn't even the nicest fluted axe I've seen.

 

[Tnmountains]

Very nice axe. They are getting so rare. I am glad your drought is over!