North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Western Antique Auction September 11th 2021

Sat, Sep 11, 2021 11:00AM EDT
Lot 367

Osage Beaver Back Tacked Dag Knife 19th C & Sheath

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
The lot features an outstanding beaver back tacked dag knife from the Osage Native American Indians from the 19th Century paired with a beaded sheath. The knife shows a blacksmith forged old rasp file blade in a traditional dag knife pattern with raised center median running down the center of both sides and double edge tapering blade paired with one piece solid wood beaver back paddle style handle, which has a dark coloring and beautifully adorned tacked pattern on both sides with a cross and circle like symbol that is all solid brass old trade tacks. The knife was later paired with a beaded sheath comprised of brain tanned thick Buffalo hide with glass trade seed beads in a geometric pattern. The sheath shows sinew and trade thread sewing in dark coloring on the back with trade canvas inside lining. The bead colors consist of greasy yellow, sky padre blue, and red white heart. The sheath appears to be a later addition, with the knife being an early example with nice honest patina. Provenance: Collected from the Osage Reservation at Pawhuska, Oklahoma from the ex-collection of Dale Harrison of Ohio. Sheath is 10.5” by 2 7/8” and the dag fighting knife is 12”L with a blade that is 5.75”L and overall the knife is 2 3/8”W. The knife and sheath together is 16” long.