Rare Neolithic Knife with Serrated Edge British Stone Age Tool from Norfolk | Genuine Flint Lithic Artefact with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Authentic Neolithic Knife with Serrated Edge – British Stone Age Flint Tool from Norfolk

This rare Neolithic knife with a finely serrated cutting edge is an extraordinary example of early human craftsmanship from the British Stone Age, discovered in Norfolk, England. Dated to the Neolithic period (circa 4000–2500 BCE), this genuine artefact was fashioned by skilled prehistoric toolmakers using advanced flint-knapping techniques. It provides a direct connection to the dawn of agriculture, settlement, and early civilisation in Britain. The image shows the exact artefact you will receive, and it comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Archaeological and Cultural Context

The Neolithic (New Stone Age) marks the period when humans in Britain transitioned from mobile hunter-gatherers to settled farming communities. This change brought with it new technologies, such as polished stone tools, pottery, and the establishment of permanent dwellings. Flint tools like this serrated knife played a vital role in these early societies, being used for a wide range of purposes — from cutting hides and meat to woodworking, harvesting plants, and crafting other implements.

This particular artefact originates from Norfolk, an area rich in prehistoric heritage and abundant in high-quality flint nodules found within its chalk geology. Norfolk’s landscape has yielded numerous finds from the Neolithic period, indicating it was once home to thriving early farming communities. The flint sourced locally was ideal for tool production, as it fractures conchoidally (in a shell-like manner), allowing skilled artisans to create razor-sharp edges and detailed serrations.

Material, Construction, and Function

Material: Knapped Flint (High-silica sedimentary rock)

Type: Serrated-edge Knife Tool

Cultural Period: Neolithic (New Stone Age)

Provenance: Norfolk, United Kingdom

This knife was expertly knapped from a carefully selected flint core using controlled percussion and precision retouching. The serrated edge was intentionally formed through fine flake removals, giving the blade a saw-like cutting capability. Such tools demonstrate the remarkable skill of Neolithic craftsmen, who balanced utility with refined form.

The knife’s elongated shape and distinct serrations suggest it was designed for specific cutting or scraping tasks, perhaps in processing animal hides, shaping wood, or slicing fibrous plants. The ergonomic design indicates it could have been comfortably hand-held or even hafted onto a wooden or bone handle, secured with natural resin or sinew. The sharpness and preservation of the flint edges remain a testament to the durability and effectiveness of these prehistoric tools.

Geological and Historical Significance

The flint used to create this tool originates from the Cretaceous Chalk deposits underlying much of Norfolk. Over millions of years, microscopic silica from marine organisms accumulated in these sediments, eventually forming dense nodules of flint prized by prehistoric peoples. These deposits provided an abundant resource for tool-making and were central to Britain’s prehistoric economy.

Flint artefacts such as this serrated knife demonstrate the technological sophistication achieved during the Neolithic. They represent a key moment in human evolution — when tool production shifted from survival necessity to craftsmanship. The ability to control flake removal and create serrated edges required both experience and precision, marking the Neolithic toolmaker as a true artisan of stone.

Authenticity and Presentation

Every artefact offered by UKGE LTD is 100% genuine and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity verifying its provenance and authenticity. The exact specimen photographed is the one you will receive, ensuring transparency and collector confidence. A 1 cm scale cube is included in the photo to provide accurate size reference.

This Neolithic serrated-edge knife from Norfolk is not only a scientifically valuable artefact but also a fascinating piece of early human history. It embodies the ingenuity, adaptability, and creativity of Britain’s first farming communities — a rare opportunity to own an authentic relic from the Stone Age that shaped the course of civilisation.