Great Plains Milking Knife And Its Beaded Sheath — Published Example

Northern Plains Sioux, likely Canadian Sioux

Circa 1870

A significant set consisting of an antique trading knife preserved with its beaded sheath.

The knife features a wide, slightly curved blade made of iron or steel, retaining a deep patina of age. It is mounted on a deer antler handle, whose natural shape and crown-like tip have been preserved. A brass ferrule connects the handle to the blade. The various components display remarkable consistency in craftsmanship, use, and aging.

The sheath is made of tanned hide and is entirely covered, on its front face, with remarkable inlay work of micro glass beads. The geometric decoration, executed with great skill, combines white, yellow, turquoise, dark green, and reddish-brown beads. The upper portion is punctuated by symmetrical triangular compositions, while the lower portion features several concentric bands framing a series of cruciform motifs.

The reverse side, left without beaded decoration, retains a beautiful patina from use. A long side pendant, also adorned with beads, ends in several metal cones trimmed with red-dyed fibers. These moving elements contributed to the visual and auditory appeal of the sheath when it was worn.

The major significance of this piece lies in the fact that it has been published. This example is reproduced in John Baldwin’s reference work, *Early Knives & Beaded Sheaths of the American Frontier*, published in 1997. It appears on page 14 and is also featured on the book’s cover under the title “Classic Early Knife & Beaded Sheath .”

The caption accompanying the publication dates the sheath to around 1870 and attributes it to the Sioux of Canada. This historical attribution allows the set to be more broadly linked to the works of the Northern Plains Sioux.

Due to the exceptional quality of its beaded decoration, the integrity of its ornamentation, its age, and the extensive bibliographic documentation, this set belongs to the highly sought-after category of early beaded-sheath knives from the Great Plains.

Publication

John Baldwin, *Early Knives & Beaded Sheaths of the American Frontier*, Early American Artistry–Trading Company, West Olive, Michigan, 1997, cover and p. 14, reproduced under the title “Classic Early Knife & Beaded Sheath.”

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of Bernard Souteyrand (1944–2025).

Assembled over nearly forty years, this French private collection was dedicated to the arts of the First Nations of North America. Several of its pieces have been featured in publications and public exhibitions.

In very good condition.