Ornamented Native American Dag Knives Lead North American Auction Company’s Upcoming Sale

Native Americans often emulate patterns and motifs from nature when crafting objects. A beavertail dagger or dag knife was named after the beaver’s tail, which was the original design inspiration for them. A double-edged weapon, it has been used by Native Americans for both fighting and utility purposes. An I&H Sorby stamped presentation grade dag knife with a large paddle-like forged blade is a key highlight of the upcoming sale from North American Auction Company. Its fancy handle has a carved grip scale pattern in solid bone, most likely of a Great American Bison Buffalo. Ornamented with silverwork accents, the handle features a circle guard front, diamond-shaped tapering gripping area, and circle pommel end. 

Another significant dag knife is accompanied by a striking sheath with vibrant beadwork, possibly from the Northern Plains Native American Indians. The sheath is made of tanned Great American Bison Buffalo hide with geometric-patterned beadwork. The colors include yellow and blue, red, and chalk white. It is further adorned with old hand-rolled tin cone danglers and hand-cut hide fringes. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Fine Montana Collector Sale – April 2023, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.