The length and shape of this distinct and ornate knife resembles some 19th century Pennsylvania skinning knives and rifleman knives housed in museum collections. However, few trade knives feature this level of ornamentation. It has an eight and a half inch blade fitted into a hardwood handle with coin silver and pearl inlays. On the left side four round pieces make a "+" with a cross made of coin silver and pearl as well as a diamond shaped piece. The right side has the same "+" with a coin silver shield with an inlaid pearl crescent moon, a second coin silver shield with a pearl shield inlay, and a heart shaped inlay missing at the top. Two additional coin silver pieces are found on the top and bottom of the handle at the ends of the tang a third is likely absent on the top behind the bolster. The butt of the handle has an Indian face with a "Roman" styled nose atop a shoe. The consignor's notes attribute the knife to Plains Indians during the 1880-1890s Reservation Period and state that the knife was used for skinning as exemplified in the copy of the photograph included. The notes suggest that the face over the shoe may display the blade owner's dissatisfaction with government forced "civilization" programs.

Fair. The blade has an aged gray patina with some oxidation. The edge is rough with signs of having been resharpened during its years of use and a series of rough scratches. The inlays are very smooth for their age and have an attractive aged silver patina. The wooden handle is smooth with some minor scratches and dings and some scattered white flecks. The face and shoe on the end have a chip on the nose and the tip of the shoe. The blade is loosely fitted in the handle.