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Blackfeet Belt Sheath & I. Wilson Knife 1800's

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Blackfeet Belt Sheath & I. Wilson Knife 1800's
The lot features a fantastic 19th Century set of two skinning knives and a belt sheath from the Blackfeet Native American Indians of Northern Montana. The piece shows a traditional belt knife sheath design from the Blackfeet Indians constructed of harness saddle leather with a heavy stitching showing the unique triangular cutout and beautiful four-line inscribed cut design at the top. The set shows two knives and was likely used to skin Buffalos, Elk, Mountain Lions, and other game. The first knife is marked I. Wilson Sycamore St. Sheffield, England and shows the two hallmarks (four circles in an “x” and a diamond). The Wilson knife shows a traditional skinning blade with a two-piece walnut handle held in place with five iron studs. The second knife shows a thinner skinning blade with Elk Antler tang end one-piece handle held onto the iron tang with two iron studs. The antler has a rich deep yellow to brown patina from honest age and use. Provenance: The piece comes from a Livingston, Montana Paradise Valley multi-generation Montanan estate of which many pieces were purchased and traded directly from the Montana American Indians during the 1800’s to early 1900’s. This example shows expected wear from age and use but overall, well preserved. The sheath with knife is 11”L by 3.5”W.