This is an excellent, mid-19th Century, American Indian dag fighting knife attributed to the Plains region. American Indian early dag knives are commonly referred to as “Beaver Paddle/ Beavertail” dag knives. This is due to the fact most dag knives were traded on the frontier along the Great Lakes region through the St. Lawrence Seaway westward by early fur traders. From the Great Lakes region on westward, the knives became very popular among the Northern Plains/Upper Plateau tribes, such as the Cree, Metis, Blackfoot, Nez Perce, Chippewa/Ojibiwa, and Shoshone. These were made to be killing weapons; this is why dag knives show a clean, long, double-sided blade without any serration, as they were for battle. Unlike other knives worn by Indian Warriors, the dag knife would have been worn around the Indian’s neck on his chest. This example shows a typical large, wide, tapering double edge blade with presentation like wood handle with round bolster area, diamond like gripping area, and round pommel, all being nicely adorned with brass trade tacks on both sides in varying patterns. The blade appears to be hand-forged metal. Overall, this is a large, heavy authentic example showing proper signs of true Native use and age. Measures overall 13 inches in length.