HUGE ANTIQUE BROOM HANDLE SKINNING KNIFE WITH BUFFALO RAWHIDE SHEATH---NR For Sale

We are getting ready to start moving to our retirement place in New Mexico and are going to have to downsize in many areas.We went through my trade knife & skinner collection and did some serious triage.This knife was one of the 1st knives I bought on back in 1999.I bought it and and antique American Bowie from a fellow in jolly old England (the bowie will be listed later). Anyway,,,the verbal provenance I received with the pair of knives was that this fellows great-great grand-dad spent several years in the United States during the later half of the 19th century.Apparently he was an adventurous sort and spent much time hunting, trapping, and exploring what was left of the American Frontier.When he did return to England,,,this was one of the items he brought with him. This type of knife is called a \"broom-skinner\". I guess it takes its name from the odd wide blade.They were used as combination skinners and light cleavers.This one is sheathed in very thick rawhide that I think is buffalo.The knife is 16\" overall with a 9 1/2\" long blade that is 4 1/2\" wide at the widest point.The crown antler grip is secured by an iron ferrule and iron pins or rivets.The blade is .43\" thick at the thickest point on the spine.Please see the pics to note the outstanding hand forged blade.Beautiful untouched patina.This is a sale so,,,one offer or one hundred,,,this knife will have a new home.I will be listed close to 50 antique and collectible knives over the next few days,,,please drop in again and see what has been added.Thanks for stoppin\' in and takin\' a look.