Knife sheaths which predate the 1870s are rare. Cheyenne examples from this time period are rarer still. This is as fine an example as one can find from this period.

This featured sheath has an earlier construction style: A folded piece of buffalo rawhide went minimally decorated but for the upper hemisphere of the sheath. The upper hemisphere has a panel of native tanned hide to which there is sewn seed beads in a classic “bar” design - a motif which would come to be a hallmark of Cheyenne beadwork for decades to come.

This sheath was collected by the late Bill Boyd, who was known for collecting premier examples of Northern Cheyenne knife cases. This was perhaps one of his finest. The elk antler sheath was posthumously added, but the period and style of the rare frontier knife compliments the sheath’s rugged simplicity and visceral beauty.

Many seasoned collectors speak about the great Plains objects having wonderful “soul”. This sheath and knife have it in spades.

9.5” long and 2.5” wide (sheath); 11” long (knife)

Ex Bill Boyd, OR (1939-2024)

#51108 & #51125