1840-1850 INDIAN TRADE. From Milton von Damm Collection. 15" overall, meaty 10" dagger blade almost .5" thick, medial ridge, long ricasso, carved rosewood handle. Sculpted 3" iron crossguard with ball quillons, leather sheath. "Daggers are a weapon, not a cutting tool, and they are designed to stab, not slice. This knife is ten inches long and has a black wooden handle. There is a slight trace of an arabesque design on the blade. This style is similar to French daggers of the early nineteenth century. Three of these knives are known to have associations with Sioux tribes and they are probably trade items in the 1840-50 period. The Oglala Sioux Chief, Man Afraid of His Horses, owned one." UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of cited article. CONDITION: very good overall. Blade has remnants of light floral etch, stained and lightly pitted. Handle has age cracks, sheath lacks mounts and broken near tip but adequate to time of use. PROVENANCE: Jim Hanson, Museum of THE FUR TRADE; Lifelong Collection of author Milton von Damm. (02-22255/JS). $600-800.