2859 - Pierrepont French Stone Age Neanderthal Knapped Flint Handaxe. Middle Palaeolithic Period, Mousterian, circa 60,000 B.P. Cordate type with flake removed from centre of the underside; inked legend 'Pierrepont 14 / 22-4-93'. 69.5 grams, 61 mm (2 3/8 in.). [No Reserve]

Pierrepont French Stone Age Neanderthal Knapped Flint Handaxe. Middle Palaeolithic Period, Mousterian, circa 60,000 B.P. Cordate type with flake removed from centre of the underside; inked legend 'Pierrepont 14 / 22-4-93'. 69.5 grams, 61 mm (2 3/8 in.). [No Reserve] Found Pierrepont, Calvados, Normandy, France. Acquired on the UK art market in the 2020s. From a private collection. Attributed to the Neanderthal man. An interesting example where the handaxe has also been used to strike off a flake across the middle of the reverse. This is sometimes seen during the Mousterian period and is a beneficial use of material when wanting to create a tool for the current job. The handaxe would have continued to be used and re- sharpened as normal. Dual-sided contrasting patina. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.