I really like the style of this knife, very utilitarian, drop point makes it perfect for getting into small places when skinning, blade long enough for butchering or defense and could have lifted a few scalps. Handle thin for a sure grip, probably carried in a leather sheath hung from the neck(a weasel skin would be perfect). If it were mine I would make a set of handles from curly Maple or black Walnut and lightly clean up the blade. Then probably give it a drink by gutting a deer or skinning a coon.
Great signed find with a datable provenance, a real treasure.