GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
ESA - EXCEPTIONALLY RARE, UNIQUE AND FINE SILVER AND IVORY MOUNTED SAMUEL BELL BOWIE KNIFE, CIRCA 1835.Samuel Bell no doubt is among the finest and most unique craftsmen of Bowie knives known to America and his iconic knives are highly sought. There are only about 25 examples of his work known and this unique example is among the few identified to owner. Samuel Bell ran an ad in the Knoxville, TN Register in 1846 "GOLD AND SILVER MOUNTED BREAST KNIVES, MANUFACTURED SUPERIOR TO ANY MADE IN THE UNITED STATES..." This may be the only Samuel Bell Bowie that truly fits the description in this ad, as instead of a frog button, there is a large 2" silver T-bar pin found to attach inside the breast of a coat. This is the only example known, otherwise this classic early ivory mounted knife exhibits all of Bell's trademark characteristics including his unique engraving, though less profuse on this example possibly early feature. Knife measures 12-1/2" overall with 8-1/4" fullered spear-point blade with sharpened 5" beveled false edge. The silver scabbard form fits blade in unique style with groove in scabbard fitting the 3-1/2" fuller. Grip is semi-coffin shaped with silver engraved rectangular ferrule and tombstone shaped silver engraved pommel. The tapering rectangular grip is carved ivory with three panels having long, carved raised flutes and the main panel with raised checkered panel with inlaid silver pins. Bell Bowies made in Knoxville typically have forged bolsters and later in Texas do not. This knife most likely made early in Knoxville, TN and possibly among the earliest as there is a simulated forged bolster which is actually a 1/2" turned silver bolster fitted between ricasso and grip, along with threaded capstan rivet, not seen on any other Bells. The knurling on either end is in suite to rectangular base of ferrule. This knife was orig purchased as being the property of Col. F. T. Keelar, a wealthy, prominent citizen and merchant during the Gold Rush in Skagway, Alaska. There is an interesting orig 8" advertising photograph of Keelar and his storefront with large painted marquees; his card states he "owns mines, saw mills, timber lands, town sites, steam boats and more land than any man in Alaska, buys gold, loans money, sells exchange, daily pack trains, stage lines and dog teams..." This is a great knife owned by a colorful Alaskan entrepreneur. SIZE: CONDITION: Knife overall is fine with blade showing orig tool marks, grey/white overall light staining and pitting. Silver mounts and scabbard have several small dents. The unique round ball sheath tip has large dent on bottom as seen in photos. "Certifiable antique ivory" grip has hand worn patina, ivory patina, several hairline cracks that do not effect esthetics. Threaded tang protrudes about 3mm through capstan rivet which is knurled in suite to bolster. 50412-81 JS (50,000-70,000) ESA -