Featured in this lot is this beautifully crafted sterling Gaucho Verijeros knife from Central/South American circa 1990s. 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 designs on the handle and shows a bird face effigy at the end of the handle. The sheath is decorated with geometric designs and stampings as well and is marked at the top in small lettering reading, "Sterling". The blade shows a stamped mark on both sides. The mark, possibly a makers mark, shows a small circular shape with a series of protruding points or petals around it, with a vertical line above it. No other inscriptions or possible makers marks are noted. It shows good condition overall with wear present from its use and handling over the years but no signs of major damage or wear is noted. The knife measures 7 3/8" L x 1 1/16" W x 1/2" D and weighs under six ounces.