1862 Bowie Knife and Scabbard made by Samuel Bell
This knife handle and sheath were made of silver by Samuel Bell. Of the approximately 25 Bowie knives Bell is known to have made, only seven had silver handles and sheaths. The stamp on the blade says, “S. Bell, Maker, San Antonio, Texas.”
*Information is accurate as of the date of the loan. Certain information, including the artifact owner, may no longer be accurate.*
Courtesy Kurt House, San Antonio, Texas
Samuel Bell made finely crafted Bowie knives in his store on Commerce Street in San Antonio. Bell was born in Pennsylvania and later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. He worked at an arms factory at age 14, making swords for use during the War of 1812. In Knoxville, Bell became known for his work as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker. In 1851, Bell left Tennessee and settled in San Antonio, Texas, where he operated a store near the Alamo until his death in 1882.