596

Northern Plains Trade Knife & Pig Sticker Scabbard

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 300.00 USD
Northern Plains Trade Knife & Pig Sticker Scabbard
In this lot are an early Northern Plains Native American trade knife, originating from the late 1800's to the early 1900's and an early to late 1800's Spike bayonet ("Pig Sticker") round metal scabbard. They are called "trade knives" because these styles were favored by the French Colonial fur traders, and also the blades of these knives were sometimes used as a form of practical currency, which was more immediately useful than paper or metallic money, and took up less space and weight in their pack. The blade is stamped with some visible lettering, but most has faded. Wood handle appears to have been adapted from a small hand tool, most likely a type of hammer or hatchet, with a brass ferrule. Steel blade exhibits pitting and a patina throughout. The handle exhibits use from normal wear, measures 10.5"L. The Spike bayonet scabbard is from either an early Union or Confederate style "pig sticker" type socket bayonet. The US model 1855 socket bayonet fit .58 muskets and the 50-70 Springfield "trapdoor" rifles. The steel scabbard has solid one-piece construction, remnants of green paint. Measures 17.5"L. Combined weight 8oz.