Offered for public purchase is this exceedingly scarce authentic original beaded rifle scabbard from the Assiniboine Native American Indian tribe and dating to the 19th Century. The scabbard was most likely originally paired with a Winchester Repeating Arms Model 1873 carbine as it fits perfectly. The scabbard shows a Great American Bison Buffalo Indian brain tanned hide construction that is sinew rawhide sewn and shows period correct 19th century glass trade seed beadwork in a traditional geometric pattern. The beadwork is shown framing the rifle opening, running down the bottom edge of the scabbard and accenting the bottom of the piece, being shown on both sides. The beadwork is both trade thread and sinew sewn with a chalk white base, greasy yellow and semi-transparent dark blue coloring. The surface shows a slight mineral pigment ocher dye of red and brown. The Assiniboine Native American Indians share a common ancestry with the Sioux people and believed by many to have a heritage with the Stoney, Santee, Lakota and Yankon-Yanktonai tribes being separated in the 17th Century. During the 19th Century the Assiniboine tribe resided in Northern Montana, Canada and North Dakota near the Missouri river. The warrior related items, such as this circa 1870-1880‰Ûªs rifle scabbard, are some of the most notable items from the Assiniboine American Indian artifacts. Very few authentic examples of Assiniboine artifacts, weapons and beadwork have been offered for sale with such notable houses as High Noon Western Americana, Heritage Auctions, Allard Auctions Inc. and North American Auction Co. Our company offered a very scarce and desirable Assiniboine Pronghorn Beaded Headdress from the 19th Century in our 6/30/2018 auction from the same collector who is offering this fine rifle scabbard. Provenance: From the private museum collection of early Native American weapons and artifacts in Paris, France. The scabbard measures 38 1/2" long, without the additional length of fringe, and 8" wide at the opening. 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.