The lot features an early hallmarked Joseph Rodgers & Sons Maltese Cross dag knife with bone-handle, paired with a hide beaded sheath attributed to the Sioux Native American Indians of South Dakota. Provenance: The piece is said to have been collected from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation by noted artifacts dealer, Jim Aplan, and later from the ex-collection of Dale Harrison of Ohio. The knife is stamped with the visible mark “RODGERS” and the Maltese Cross, which is slightly covered by the handle. The stamping shows the knife as the Joseph Rodgers & Sons Cutlery to His Majesty No. 6 Norfolk Street Sheffield, England and dates it to the mid-to late 19th Century. The knife has a clean surface with a nice natural coloring on the back and oxidation surface rust on the other. The handle itself is a hidden tang with large bone and rich yellow to cream and dark brown coloring and shiny patina, held into place with a single pin. The handle has an almost petrified-like appearance with scrapped surface and rich coloring and very hard surface. The knife itself is a large, heavy, thick fighting knife blade with clip dagger-like point that is only sharp on one side with a false edge at the tip. The sheath is constructed of parfleche rawhide, which is covered in Indian tanned hide with a beautiful geometric pattern beaded design on the front. The beadwork is all glass seed beads in colors of Cheyenne pink, sky padre blue, amber, rose, and cobalt. At the base of the sheath is long hand cut hide fringe and at the top is a hide belt tie. The sheath is constructed with sinew, cotton thread, commercial leather inside lining, and glue. Inside the sheath, graphite or ink markings can been see from the maker. The piece has a nearly perfect condition and is likely a later addition. Provenance: From Jim Aplan of Piedmont, South Dakota ex-collection, where he acquired the piece from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and also from the ex-collection of Dale Harrison of Ohio. The knife measures 15.75”L with a blade that is 9.25”L by 1 7/8”W and 1.25”D. The sheath is 18.5”L with the fringe by 4 1/8”W with a tie strap that is approximately 8”L. Together, the sheath and knife are 24”L with fringe. Please review the piece for your own representation of condition, age, and origin.