Beaded Fringed Antique Plains Jacket

[hawknknife]

I recently purchased this jacket on ebay.  It was an estate sale in extreme eastern Washington state.   The seller described it as a 1940's vintage women's jacket.  I am hoping that someone or someone that you know can give me more of an idea on this coat.  From what research i have done, it dates as early as the 1860's and is definitely pre-1900.  The hide, I believe, is braintan moose and is very soft and pliable. THe entire jacket is handmade, sinew sewn, and very sound with no beadloss or rips/tears.

I think it is Northern Cree from Southern Canada to Northern Montana.  It looks like it could be worn by Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill, or any respectable Indian scout.

You boys wouldn't have to age these "skins" as time has already done this for us.  I think that this a super western collectible of significant value. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Carl
www.hawknknife.com

[smylee grouch]

I have seen a couple that were very similler and they were atributed to the Meties if  I have that spelled corectly.     Gary

[BrownBear]

Sure looks like moose to me.  Heavy but very soft, and really different than elk.

[bob in the woods]

That sure looks like a Metis coat to me. I'm originally from Manitoba,and have seen coats like that from the time of the Riel rebellion. However, because of the cut, especially the back, I think itmaybe more woodland
Cree,  The Metis coats had a separate back panel.