This is an outstanding Assiniboine, circa 1870s, Indian buffalo hide over a parfleche beaded sheath with original trade knife. The sheath is comprised of buffalo hide over parfleche rawhide being sinew sewn. It is covered on the front and the top portion of the back in classic Northern Plains Assiniboine of Montana geometric beadwork with period correct 19th Century glass trade seed cen beads. The beads include greasy blue, amber, red white heart, medium blue, cobalt, semi-transparent dark green. The bottom Indian hide fringe is covered in beadwork and at the end bifurcates / splits into two smaller fringes that are wrapped in porcupine quil quillwork with a natrual mineral pigment dyed yellow and blue color. At the very end are four rolled tin jingle dangle cones. The top belt strap also is wrapped in porcupine quill quillwork with two additional small fringes at each connection point also wrapped and all with natural mineral pigment purple coloring. The beadwork extends along the outside edge and back as well as the bottom fringe. The sheath is paired with a classic trade knife in skinner, sometimes referred to as a scalping knife by some collectors, with a two piece coffin style walnut hardwood handle with large brass adornments. Assiniboine sheaths are incredibly rare with this being a phenomenal example. For other similar Assiniboine sheaths, see 1870 Assiniboine Sheath with similar beadwork sold by Bonhams Skinner in May 2016 with a $2,000-$2,500 value. Also consider the 1890 Assiniboine beaded sheath by Heritage in November 2020 for $3,750. Well kept with little bead loss and slight quill loss but otherwise no major damages. Provenance: From the ex-Sarah Huber Montana collection and a private Wisconsin collection. Sheath measures overall 19"L x 3"W. Knife is 9 7/8"L.*

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