The lot features an outstanding beaded knife sheath and I. Wilson trade knife, dating to the circa 1880’s and attributed to the Ute Native American Indians—one of the more scarcely seen and widely collected groups. The sheath is comprised of Indian brain-tanned Buffalo Bison hide and has the original tie belt strap still attached. The front is covered in period correct glass trade seed beadwork in a traditional Ute geometric pattern. The beadwork has a chalk white background with triangular patterns in cobalt and greasy sky blue. The white background with triangular patterns in Ute beadwork represents mountains, likely of the high Uinta Mountain ranges. The old trade knife is stamped in an oblong oval, “I. WILSON SHEAR – STEEL”, along with the ‘X’ with four circles and the diamond touchmarks of the historic English brand known amongst Frontiersman and traders as a rugged, utilitarian blade. The solid wood handle is covered in parfleche rawhide-wrapping. The set is well preserved and displays very well. Provenance: From the ex-collection of Tom Hardy of Indianapolis, Indiana. The sheath is 11.25” L by 3.5” W and the knife is 13.5” L.