Lot 278

Egyptian Predynastic Chert Knife w/ Hippo Tooth Handle

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 278
image_0 image_1
Egyptian Predynastic Chert Knife w/ Hippo Tooth Handle
Egyptian Predynastic Chert Knife w/ Hippo Tooth Handle
image_0 image_1

Egyptian Predynastic Chert Knife w/ Hippo Tooth Handle

Estimate: $6,000 - $9,000

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

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)

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

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 200941

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

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000