Native American, Western United States, Plains Tribes, likely Sioux or Blackfoot, ca. 19th century CE. A noteworthy knife known as a dag, made from steel with a wood handle and leather sheath. The broad petaloid blade has a double cutting edge like a spear, with a raised median ridge running from the tip to the handle on both sides. The blade fits into a slit on the wooden handle grip that completely covers the tang. The sheath is sewn together from two pieces of leather with several brass tacks to create a simple pocket for the blade, and the top is pierced for suspension and threaded with a leather cord for attaching to a belt. The dag knife, also known as the beavertail dagger due to their distinctive shape were worked from iron acquired through fur trade with the Hudson Bay Company. Size (in sheath): 10.5" L x 3" W (26.7 cm x 7.6 cm); (blade): 6" L x 1.375" W (15.2 cm x 3.5 cm)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#168739

Surface pitting and nicks to blade. Stable pressure fissures on wood grip. Nice patina throughout and great condition. The leather sheath has heavy cracking due to drying and losses to opening lip. Fraying to leather cord. Great signs of age and use to both knife and sheath.