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ORIGINAL 19TH CENTURY NORTHERN PLAINS BEADED SHEATH WITH LF&C TRADE KNIFE – A LARGE, VERY ATTRACTIVE SHEATH IN EXCELLENT CONDITION:  This is a beautifully executed original 19TH Century Northern Plains beaded knife sheath, the body measuring just over 9 ˝” long and 3 ˝” wide at the top opening.  The beadwork incorporates geometric designs popular among such tribes as the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe peoples on the western plains. 

The sheath is constructed with a native brain tanned hide front panel, sewn to a light rawhide back panel.  The geometric style beadwork was skillfully executed with sinew in small seed beads utilizing the very desirable early 19TH Century colors in various shades.  The attractive designs were worked in two sections, typical of these scabbards.  The beadwork was applied in tight, well executed lanes, attesting to the skill of the woman who made this sheath.  All of the beadwork is tight and intact with no loss or loose strands.  There is a bead wrapped drop at the tip of the sheath. 

The beads and hide show aging and patina consistent with old beadwork and evidence that this sheath was worn and used, and not fabricated for the tourist trade. There is a light buckskin thong on the reverse for hanging the sheath from the original owner’s belt. 

The sheath is accompanied by an early Landers, Frary & Clark “UNIVERSAL” brand trade knife.  LF&C, as the company was commonly known, was founded in 1862 in New Britain, Connecticut and they were known for their quality cutlery.  Measuring 10 ˝” long in overall length, the knife has a 6” single edged blade which is legibly stamped with “UNIVERSAL”; “LF&C”; “DOUBLE SHEAR” maker’s mark.  The blade shows evidence of use and having been sharpened, but not to the point that altered or reduced the profile of the blade.  The blade is overall smooth with a few small areas of minimal discoloration and pitting.  The tang has the characteristic known on these early knives – that of having a taper in the thickness of the steel, tapering from the thickest at the blade to the thinnest at the top of the grip.  The wood handle scales are full form and intact, in excellent condition with no checks or splits, and still held firmly in place with the original iron pins.  LF&C knives were certainly traded out on the frontier and blades of this size would have been popular with the traders and Indians, certainly appropriate for being carried in this sheath.  

In spite of the obvious signs of age and use, this sheath has survived in excellent condition and displays very well.  The attractive design and substantial size, this Beaded  Sheath and Knife will be a dramatic addition to your collection, and would a perfect piece to display on a Model 1876-79 Prairie Belt, one of the 1880’s Mills Cartridge Belts, or on a civilian buffalo hunter’s cartridge belt.  (0409)  $1650

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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