A large beaded and tacked 1870's Sioux knife sheath which houses an early Sheffield lead inlaid trade knife. This early sheath was made from folded buffalo hide (fibrous and grainy texture) sewn with sinew and tacked along the bottom edge. The sinew sewn beaded areas are in good condition the pattern is wonderfully colored and designed. The overall length of the piece is 14 1/2". The top portion of the bead work is 3 1/2" x 5 1/4" and the knife itself has a 7 1/4" blade with an overall length of 12 1/2". No makers hallmark identifies the knife but it has all the characteristics of an imported 1870's (or earlier) Sheffield trade knife. The sheath itself is simply marvelous and though a bit grimy from use it is one of the better early knife sheaths I have ever offered for sale.