This is a rare and important Chief’s grade American Indian dag knife from the ex-collection of Jim Dresslar. This dag knife is nearly identical, very well from the same hand as the Chief’s Grade Dag Knife attributed to the Nez Perce and sold in our NAAC 2017 auction for $10,200 (w/ bp) and was also listed by David Roche at Sotheby’s in 2013 with a $20,000 estimate (a photo is included for comparison). The knife exhibits a hand-forged iron blade with classic double edge blade with median ridge running down the center having a well edged patina, an early weapons feature also seen on gunstock war clubs and lance blades. The handle is truly a rare, masterful example of American Indian art showing tiger strip hardwood handle which is inlaid with a tipi, spotted, sawtooth zig-zag and diagonal line design inlaid with silver pewter on both sides. This is the exact design, style and manufacture as the early mentioned knife. This example has a dark, rich patina along the handle and displays beautifully. It was purchased from Jim Dresslar in the early 2000’s and is from the ex-Jim Bastian collection as well. Attributed to the Cheyenne of Wyoming. Measures overall 12.25-inches long.