RARE EARLY Crow Beaded and Fringed Rifle Scabbard, 1870s

Crow beaded scabbard of tapering form, sinew sewn in classic bead colors, decorated on the butt with applied strips of red wool trade cloth with solid bands of beads, a beaded hide panel on point, decorated with triangles on each side and trimmed with red wool trade cloth, blue beaded diagonal bars with red ochre paint, long twisted fringe along the barrel, shorter fringe at the opening. The decorative elements, especially the intricate beadwork and finge, showcased the skill of the artisan and would symbolize the warrior's achievements, lineage and connection to the spirit world. 40 1/4"L, Long fringe 29", Short fringe 21". Provenance: Private New Mexico Collector, Robert P. Jerich, J.D. Nolan, Sotheby's in 1970s