The lot features an exceptional beaded Indian tanned rifle scabbard from the Flathead Native American Indians of Montana. The piece comes from a collection that was acquired in the 1960's in the Northwestern Montana area by a Mrs. Weiss. The piece shows a heavy Rocky Mountain Elk Indian tanned hide constuction with trade wool clothe accents having glass trade seed beads in a wonderful floral pattern. The beadwork is done with all seed and petit seed beads, a true testimate of its early age. The beadwork is in chalk white, greasy yellow, meidum green, orange, corn yellow, light blue. The end of the scabbard shows a unique two piece heavy wide fringe that is scored gibing the appearance of arrow fletching or a horses tail, an artistic accent. The hide shows a yellow ocher dye along with some staining from gun oil and shows some stiff areas along with the majority being supple, a sign of age. This has a collection museum tag with ID numbers. From the Great Falls, Montana Collection. The piece appears to fit a Winchester Model 1873 Rifle or Musket. The scabbard measures 44 1/2" long, and 7 1/4" wide at the opening. Very unusual to have such a large Flathead Indians piece with such an early age. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer