This is an excellent forged knife with deer jawbone handle and parfleche sheath from the Apache Native American Indians and dating to the 19th Century. The knife shows a forged large iron blade with iron strap support near the hilt and is secured with a heavy copper rivet to a Deer Jawbone handle. The handle shows two of the original teeth still secured being used as the knifes hilt with the other teeth being ground down smooth making for a comfortable gripping surface. The bone handle has extraordinary rich patina that can only be found on well used authentic examples showing thick sweat and oil stains from use. The knife is accompanied by a parfleche rawhide sheath that is sinew parfleche sewn and shows a traditional period correct design. The sheath shows remnants of the original rawhide ties strap and an exceptional rich dark patina that is original to the piece. The outside of the sheath shows the hide or inner side of the flesh with the inside still showing slight remains of the original scrapped fur or hair. The sheath wonderfully fits the knife as it is clearly obvious the two have spent their entire existence together. This is truly a fantastic piece from the 1800‰Ûªs having extraordinary original authentic patina. Provenance: From the private museum collection of early Native American weapons and artifacts in Paris, France. When inserted into the scabbard, the set measures 12 5/8" long, 3 3/8" wide, and 1 1/4" thick. From the same fantastic collection as the circa 1568 Nostradamus Book from Hitler's Personal Library and the Blackfoot Polychrome War Shield from circa 1891. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer‰Ûªs responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.