June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Circa 1860's. Clip point blade with sharpened false edge ground from one side only. Ivory scales on coin silver wrapped handle of unusual slanted design, silver pins inlaid in raised checkered panels obverse and reverse, coin silver flanged guard and pommel engraved with foliate scrollwork, “E.W.W. U.S.A” engraved on pommel. Engraved, form fitting silver sheath with frog stud and ball tip, signed S. BELL. Blade lightly cleaned, with scattered pitting, otherwise knife is in superb condition.
Ex. Compton LaBauve, Dave Kleiner, Mike Worley collections.
Publications
Williamson Bell article
“Knives by Samuel Bell, San Antonio’s Adopted Son”, Spring 2000 Texas Gun Collector, p.63
(forthcoming) “A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America” by William B. Worthen and Mark D. Zalesky (2017), pp. 290-291
Public Exhibits:
Exhibited at Historic Arkansas Museum’s “A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America” exhibit, Dec 2013 - June 2014.
A truly elegant and unique Bowie knife. Undoubtedly made during Bell’s years in San Antonio. “E.W.W.”?is said to have been an officer in the U.S. Army.