This is an excellent beaded parfleche hide covered sheath with trade knife from the Northern Cheyenne Native American Indians and dating to circa 1870. This circa 1870 Indian Wars era original authentic set is comprised of a parfleche rawhide covered in Indian tanned hide and the front is covered in 19th Century period correct glass trade seed cen beads in a traditional Cheyenne geometric pattern. The beadwork includes a chalk white background and pattern in greasy green, cobalt, and red white hearts. The beadwork is all sinew sewn. The bottom of the sheath has a beaded fringe of Indian tanned hide in the same colors as the top. The top of the sheath shows an Indian tanned hide belt strap and the hide itself is also sinew sewn. The back of the sheath shows wear, a worn through spot and is marked "15/41". The original 19th Century trade knife features a typical bowie like clip point blade with two piece wood grip having N. Cheyenne carved symbols (on one side various Buffalo or Horse tracks and on the other a geometric pattern possibly denoting tribal society or war band, also possibly representing kill marks) also shows a pour bullet lead or pewter hilt. The knife has good original patina from honest age and use. Provenance: From the renowned Sundog Fine Art Bozeman, Montana collection by Bruce VanLandingham. Bruce VanLandingham was a pillar in the American Indian collecting community and a respected expert. Along with being an avid collector, Bruce was also the sole owner of Sundog Fine Art Gallery in Bozeman, which was both part museum and gallery, this piece is directly from the collection. The piece shows slight bead loss and some wear to the hide from honest age and use. Measures 21"L with strap and fringe by 3"W. The knife is 11 1/8"L. Museum collection number E1006.