Native American? Eskimo?

[richg]

Picked this knife up, I believe it is reindeer antler just because of the pictures but I am not sure. I think this may be eskimo or indian it is like a scrimshaw type drawing on the sheath. The blade of the knife also seems to be handmade. Anyone got any clues on the value of something like this? Thanks for any help

 

[ivan salis]

I must say it to me is a very nice item -- that said -- most items are valued in one way only whats it worth wize --how little will you take for it and how much will someone else give for it --when those two "ends" mean --a deal is struck and thats what its worth at that second in time -- prices on items can and do vary wildly -- ( some folks make a living buying cheap from one person and selling high to another) to one guy its not worth a cent , to another he will sell his house to get it --a lot has to do with finding the "right buyer" for the item --


laplanders (also known a SAAMI tribe) are a nomadic group that live in the high northern arctic areas of swedan / finland --
to me it looks like a old "home made" antique laplander's PUUKKO type knife with reindeer handle -- seen one run about 250ish online

its almost impossible to find a laplander without a knife --not as a weapon per si but rather as a tool -- they are highly skilled at knife making and their blades are rather good and well designed as a rule.

note**** reindeer are a vital part of the lapladers life --the lapladers are sort of reindeer "harvesters" or farmers of a sort -- the reindeer to them are like the buffalo was to native americans -- the laplanders harness the reindeer to pull their sleds as shown on the knife .---of course with the reinder horn and hide being plentiful and such a vital part of their lives.--its no surprize its made of it.