This is an exceptionally rare and important piece of American Indian art from the early-to-mid-1800’s showing a Chief’s Grade Inlaid Pipe and carved stem collected from the Fort Washakie / Wind River Indian Reservation from the Cheyenne in the early 1900’s from the ex-DuPont family collection, Mike Konkin Sherwood’s Spirit of America collection, and Arnold Marcus Chernoff collection. The bowl is a true masterpiece that is expertly carved catlinite and inlaid with silver pewter with fine details and includes a tall standing “fin”, the bowl itself dates to circa 1820-1860’s and is a truly, historic and amazing pieces. The fin is intact and has not been broken or repaired, a true rarity in these early examples to have an original condition undamaged. The stem is an artfully cut and carved / shaped from old ash in a unique nearly “puzzle” form and shows old, faded green and red mineral pigment paint remnants, the stem being mid-1800’s. Very unique to see a "puzzle" carved stem that shows an asymmetricalpattern with spots for a drop in a true Chief's Pipe form, that also shows mineral pigment paint. The bowl and pipe have amazing deep original patina with rich color and are very well preserved. This is a rare “Chief’s Grade” of pipe and stem; being a higher grade of pipe owned by a notable Chief, dignitary or elder and used for important ceremonies or treaties. Provenance: Collected from the Wind River Indian Reservation Fort Washakie from the Cheyenne of the Northern Plains circa in the late-1800’s to early 1900’s; From the ex-collection of the Mary Lou and Pierre DuPont family collection; from the ex-collection of Mike Kokin from Sherwoods Spirit of America Santa Fe, NM; and from the ex-Arnold Marcus Chernoff (1934-1985), noted rare gun and Native American weapons collector, nicknamed “Big Arnold Chernoff” who was documented as acquiring many Native American Weapons from the Dakota Frontier Museum deaccession sale, after its closing in the 1970’s. Arnold Marcus Chernoff’s collection items have been sold by Bonhams, Skinner, Rock Island Auction, Cowan’s, and North American Auction Co. Chernoff was known to trade with Marvin L. Lince, Mike Kokin, Robert Jerich, James Scoville, Mary Lou and Pierre DuPont, Ben Thompson, and others. For more on Arnold Marcus Chernoff see the July, 9, 1985, Chicago Tribune article where they not him being the cover story of the first issue of Arms Gazette Magazine in September, 1973 saying he was considered by experts to be the No. 1 man in the business. This is truly one of the best authentic, true early Indian Wars period Chief’s Grade pipes that has come to the marker in years and is a rare offering. The pipe bowl measures 6-inches by 3.75-inches. The stem is 24-inches long. The pipe and bowl are 28.5-inches in length.