The picture, back lighted, shows what's 'special' about this big Burlington chert (or the higher grade of Burlington, Crescent Quarry Chert) blade: very high grade quartz inclusions that are 'moderately' translucent. A little bit of imagination, you can see the very Early Archaic Culture knapper admiring his work as the blade finished-out. Herein I'm assuming the piece is Early archaic, but with those huge "overshot" flake scars it might be Paleo Culture. Without a context of what else was found associated with the Illinois piece you have to classify a piece based on shape--and knapping traits. I know this--if the base was notched it'd be in my meager frame of Early Ovoid Knives (AKA Perino Knives). Length is 4&1/2" by 2&1/8" yet the center thickness tops-out at 3/8"--that's some superb flintworking, imho. The reverse side has a thin line of glue where it was fastened for display--must have been on a wood back frame as there is no trace of felt--the glue should come off easily, a bit of soaking. Patina--two words: simply fine, every detail is guaranteed authentic. Interesting feature: The quartz end shows HEAVY grinding--your hands will confirm that as soon as you touch the base. Did that grinding make this a hand-held knife? That's my thought, it was never hafted. Shipping: well, yesterday was yet another 8% increase by the USPS, so shipping is $9.00...sorry. I welcome checks or money orders, but I do do not use paypal-type services--Roy A.