Offered for public purchase is this fine very rare original American Indian Dag knife from the 19th Century. The dag knife is attributed to the Metis Cree Native American Indian tribe of the circa mid-19th Century. This ‰ÛÏChief‰Ûªs Grade‰Û or ‰ÛÏPresentation Grade‰Û dag knife shows a forged iron blade with raised median ridge running down the center of the blade on both sides, an early weapon features only seen on authentic examples of dag knifes, gunstock war clubs and lance blades. The handle shows an extraordinary period correct handle with two-piece hard wood grips having a round circle hilt flowing into a tapered gripping area and round circle pommel. The grips are held together with cylinder solid copper pins and excellent iridescent mother of pearl round gaskets. The knife blade is held into the hand with a similar solid copper pin with matching mother of pearl gasket. The corners of the handle and around the pommel gasket a dark black mineral ocher pigment paint remnant can be sewn, which alludes to the knife originally having a rich painted finish which has been since worn away. The remnants of the pigment painted finish can also been seen around the copper pins as shown. The two-piece carved wooden grips show a tight seem and obviously show a high craftsmanship with unbelievable design, smooth lines, curved edges, and tight seamless connection. The blade shows a heavy construction with signs of being a forged iron and a serrated or rasp/file like rolled edge. The knife shows an even sharpened edge that extends to the tip, an attribute only found on authentic examples. The blade shows a rich dark black like patina along the hilt and tip areas with the central area showing honest wear from use. This style of ornate dag knife is referred to as a ‰ÛÏChief‰Ûªs Grade‰Û or ‰ÛÏPresentation Grade‰Û knife as they were given to Chief‰Ûªs and tribal dignitaries during trade negotiations and treaty signings. American Indian early dag knives are commonly referred to as ‰ÛÏBeaver Paddle/ Beavertail‰Û 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 Indians neck on his chest. This is truly a very rare and early authentic set. Similar dag knives have sold at auction houses such as Cowan‰Ûªs, Skinners and Bonhams for such prices as $75,000 at Cowan‰Ûªs 4/5/2013 sale, $65,000 at Cowan‰Ûªs 9/20/2013 sale, $70,725 at Skinner‰Ûªs 2/6/2016 sale, $41,000 for a Sorby touch-marked plain handle dag from Brian Lebel‰Ûªs Old West Show & Auction 6/23/2012 sale and $78,000 at Sotheby‰Ûªs 5/6/2006 sale with the example being sold in this lot being of the same quality and rarity. Our company has offered some fantastic dag knives for sale in recent years including the Cree American Indian Dag Knife for $12,300, the Presentation Pewter Inlaid Dag Knife for $10,455 and the Blackfoot Hudson Bay Beaver Back Dag Knife for $9,225 with this example showing a large size, fancier handle and fantastic patina (prices shown with premium). The Knife measures 15 1/8" long, 2 7/8" wide, and 1/2" thick. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer‰Ûªs responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.