Lot 128

Cheyenne Beaded Sheath & Trade Knife 19th C.

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,750

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is an excellent late-19th Century fully top beaded parfleche and hide knife sheath with trade knife attributed to the Cheyenne Native American Indians of Wyoming. The piece is comprised of parfleche rawhide hard hide wrapped in Indian brain-tanned Buffalo Bison hide being beautifully sinew sewn with glass trade seed beadwork in the traditional geometric Cheyenne fashion. The beadwork is done with all period correct 1800’s seed beads in colors of greasy light blue, greasy Cheyenne pink, cobalt and light greasy yellow in the typical square Cheyenne pattern. At the center of the front of the sheath shows a row of Indian tanned hide fringe which end in rolled tin jingle dangle cones. A belt tie strap of Indian tanned hide with a yellow ocher coloring is attached at the back and is thought to be original. The back of the sheath shows a bare finish with darker coloring, likely from use. The knife included is a typical 1800’s skinning example with slightly thicker spine being referred to as a “scalping” fighting knife by the collector exhibits a nice natural color, two piece hardwood grip scales held in place with rivets that are embellished with brass trade tacks. The handle has a beveled edge, nearly crudely coffin like. Overall this late Indian Wars Era knife and sheath have an attractive art appeal and true wear from age and Indian use. Sheath is 11.5 inches in length with an additional 8 inch long belt fringe tie and overall is 3.5 inches wide. The knife is 10.75 inches in length with a blade that is 6 inches long.