Knife & Beaded Sheath

Circa 1860-1912

An interesting knife & beaded sheath, most likely dating back to the Civil War.

As stated by the previous owner, this knife and sheath was used by Randal Hall, Deputy Marshall on the Shoshone Reservation from 1900-1912.

According to the seller, this was verified by a relative on the reservation when he bought it. Although there is no written documentation to substantiate this, or the reservation in question, it is undoubtedly an authentic set, showing great age.

THE KNIFE is a hand forged fighting knife with a wood handle and looks to be from the Civil War era. There are two Civil War era tokens inlaid on the handle. One, dated 1863, with an American Flag and the slogan “The Flag of our Union”. The other, shows the opposite side of a different token with the slogan “Union for Ever”. The knife shows no other markings. It appears to be a fighting knife as it is definitely not a skinning knife. The blade is 9 ½” long with an age-stained finish, with about 2” of blood pitting on the left side point. It is in very good condition, considering its age.

The SHEATH appears to be from a later era. It is made from buckskin. Nicely beaded, with an American Flag at the top and patriotic colored beads.  As well as, Indian colored beads with Indian designs. It is in fine condition with no loss of beads or damage to the leather.  It may have been made for the Deputy Marshall by Shoshone tribesman. Then again, it appears to be earlier than the Marshals time on the reservation.

The photo below shows an early frontiersman, circa 1880’s, wearing a similar style knife and sheath tied to the bullet loops on his cartridge belt.  The belt ties at the top of this sheath appears to be unused in the past hundred years.

I could not find any information on Randall Hall or which reservation he would have served on.

This set deserves further research by someone with much more Native American historical knowledge than myself.

Clarks Antiques – Antique Gun Leather – Knife & Beaded Sheath – Price $2,250.00

Item #1843

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