Lower Palaeolithic Period, 480,000-250,000 B.C.. Lentoid in section with narrow pointed butt and broad curved cutting edge; carefully knapped to a beautifully regular profile and wonderful patination; old inked inscription 'Abilly - 1926- / La Princerie'; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. MacGregor, A. (ed.), Antiquities from Europe and the Near East in the Collection of Lord McAlpine of West Green, Oxford, 1987, item 1.1, for type; item 1.27 in the same collection is from Abilly, the find spot of the present piece. 701 grams, 23.5 cm (898 grams total, 28 cm including stand) (9 1/4 in. (11 in.)).

Abilly is in the region of Grand Pressigny, Indre et Loire département, France. It is the location of the famous Archéolab – Musée de site archéologique where excavation and interpretation of archaeological sites are presented to the public.

Found Abilly la Princerie, France, 1926. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. [No Reserve]