Presented for consideration is an exceptional offering—a circa 1866 Snider Enfield .577 breech loading tacked carbine with Crow rifle scabbard an exquisite manifestation of Native American Indian craftsmanship and historical significance. The rifle scabbard, an early example is crafted from Indian brain-tanned buffalo / bison hide distinguished by the presence of long frilly fringes at both ends and two sections adorned with Crow beadwork in stunning pastel colors and designs, this scabbard is a masterful representation of the intricate beadwork prevalent in the 19th and 20th century. Reflecting true age and Native use, the scabbard exhibits minor wear, bearing witness to its authentic journey through time. Remarkably, it remains nearly free from bead loss, tears, or holes, underscoring the meticulous preservation of this remarkable artifact. The scabbard shows red stroud on buffalo hide with period correct early glass trade seed cen beads showing colors of Cheyenne pink, greasy yellow, cobalt, black, semi-transparent red, sky padre light blue and chalk white. The beadwork covers the opening around all sides, frames the central bottom section of the scabbard on both sides and then covers the entire end of the sheath or scabbard, again around all sides. Similar patterns have been seen on other early Crow examples. The accompanying circa 1866 Snider-Enfield carbine is a fascinating complement to the scabbard. This .577 caliber breech loading rifle, measuring 44 inches in length, bears the hallmark of Indian craftsmanship, with elaborate brass trade tacks adorning both sides. Its intriguing history suggests a potential origin as a battlefield acquisition by a resourceful Crow Indian, speculatively. Jacob Snider was an American metal works engineer who developed a breech loading conversion system for the P-1853 Enfield, a prolific imported rifle used by Northern and Southern troops during the U.S. Civil War and beyond to the frontier. This particular Snider-Enfield, often identified as the Mark III model 65 cavalry carbine, finds a noteworthy parallel in an identical example featured on the NRA American Rifleman web page, further validating its historical significance. Formerly part of the distinguished Tom Hardy collection in Indianapolis, Indiana, this collection stands as a compelling tribute to the rich tapestry of American Indian heritage and the intricate craftsmanship that defined the 19th century. While the rifle clearly dates to the Indian Wars era of circa 1860-1880’s the scabbard appears to be a rare early example, but exact age unknown, please review for your own representation of age and origin. Measures 44 inches in length and 8 inches at its widest point.