Featured in this lot is this beautifully crafted early vintage sterling silver Gaucho Verijeros knife from Central/South American 20th century. The gaucho was a unique type of person: a free guy who was constantly shifting settlements, did not own land, had few personal goods, and no restrictions. They were excellent riders and wild cattle hunters, but with no employer or regular profession, they chose to be wayward riders roaming the silent and empty great plains. Gauchos emerged as a result of the crossing of Spanish blood with indigenous Indians, and it is widely assumed that the gaucho initially originated in the areas of what is now the Republica de Uruguay, on the north bank of the River Plate, opposite where Buenos Aires is located. Verijeros knives were mostly classified by their blade length, usually around 7-8 inches and consisted of beautifully decorated handles and sheaths that were sometimes inlaid with silver and gold. This knife shows beautiful geometric / floral designs on the handle and cowboy scenes etched onto the knife. The sheath is decorated with scenes of cowboys roping and herding cattle in the fields. The original blade has been replaced by an Inox stainless steel blade. The knife shows good condition overall with slight wear present from its age and use over the years, but no major signs of damage is noted. The knife measures 12 1/2" L x 1 3/8" W x 7/8" D and weighs 7 ounces.