This is an outstanding, second-to-third quarter of the 19th Century presentation dag knife from the Plains Native American Indians from the ex-Arnold Marcus Chernoff and Sherwoods Spirit of America collections. The piece exhibits an A. Taylor Sheffield, England blacksmith forged dag knife with double edge blade having a median ridge running down both sides with a single notch cut. The dag fighting knife has a solid Oak hardwood single piece handle secured with brass pins that are penned over showing a beautiful inlaid brass spot design along the round hand guard area. The round hand guard curves into the gripping area which slightly tapers out to the round pommel end which is inlaid with a round brass inlay. The knife blade is nicely stamped, “A. TAYLOR SHEFFIELD” with a walking bear on all fours touch mark. The knife is paired with an original harness saddle leather sheath with double cut top edge and along the top a graduated row of solid brass old brass trade concho tacks. Provenance: From the ex-collection of Arnold Marcus Chernoff (1934-1985), noted rare gun and Native American weapons collector, nicknamed “Big Arnold Chernoff” who was documented as acquiring many Native American Weapons from the Dakota Frontier Museum deaccession sale, after its closing in the 1970’s; ex-Sherwood’s Spirit of America Mark Kokin. Arnold Marcus Chernoff’s collection items have been sold by Bonhams, Skinner, Rock Island Auction, Cowan’s, and North American Auction Co. Chernoff was known to trade with Marvin L. Lince, Mike Kokin, Robert Jerich, James Scoville, Mary Lou and Pierre DuPont, Ben Thompson, and others. For more on Arnold Marcus Chernoff see the July, 9, 1985, Chicago Tribune article where they not him being the cover story of the first issue of Arms Gazette Magazine in September, 1973 saying he was considered by experts to be the No. 1 man in the business. This is a rare example of a dag knife with a leather tacked sheath; for another example, see the example in the respected LaDow Johnston collection and features in the book “Accouterments Volume 4.” The knife is likely from the Cree of the Plains with its prominent round pommel end having an inlaid circle adornment: For example see the Presentation Dag Knife 1850 also from the Arnold Marcus Chernoff collection that sold at Bonhams Skinner in November 2015 for $18,450 with a similar circle pommel end with circle adornment. This type of dag knife is sometimes referred to by collectors as a beaver back dag or beavertail dag due to its similarity in shape. Truly a phenomenal example with amazing collector history in well-presented museum condition. The handle has a deep and blade both have deep patina from honest age and use. Knife is 12 3/8”L x 2”W. Sheath is 10.25”L x 3.25”W. Knife and sheath together measure 13 1/8”L.*