This knife is the "only true Bell Bowie knife" (not dirk or dagger) known made by Samuel Bell and the only signed Knoxville made Bell known. It is also probably among his earliest knives as it so closely emulates knives made circa 1830 by Henry Schively of Philadelphia (see preceding lot). This massive knife has 13-1/2" clip point blade over 1-3/4" wide and 1/4" thick at ricasso. Blade is saber ground with a 5-1/2" clip. The knife has a very heavy forged bolster and heavy tang that has had a antique crown stag grip added for display. Classic solid silver scabbard that hugs the blades exact shape is uniquely engraved in nearly full coverage on obverse, with reinforced throat so typical of his known work of his breast knives and dirk knives almost always called Bowie's, but not truly a "Bowie" in form. The reinforced throat which measures over a square inch on either side is bordered by engraving with an 8-sided petal on obverse, matching the theme of the leaf with tendrils design and frog button. The reverse has about a 4" series of swirls that probably were to hold the name of the recipient that was never inscribed. The reverse reinforcement is beautifully engraved with a full makers mark "S BELL / KNOXVILLE / TEN" in 3 different styles of lettering. Beneath the makers mark there is also engraved number of unknown meaning in a totally different and smaller style of script; maybe Bell is just showing off his incredible engraving skill with all these various engraved designs and panels. The applied silver drag is serrated and engraved with cross hatching on either rosette, an extremely thin border that follows shape of point. There are no other antebellum engravers of knives who approach this exemplary style. Samuel Bell is no doubt among the finest and most unique craftsmen of Bowie knives known to America and also a noted antebellum silver smith. Bell became famous for its fine workmanship, the quality of its materials, and the exquisite pieces of jewelry that were produced later in his career. Famous men such as Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant and Jefferson Davis numbered among his customers. In the recent 2014 monumental Bowie knife exhibit at the historic Arkansas State Museum a majority of the finest American Bowie knives assembled from noted institutions and collectors were displayed. Eight Bell knives of all genres were displayed together and none signed like subject here "S BELL KNOXVILLE TENN". If you want the only fully signed Knoxville made Samuel Bell Bowie knife known, this is your only opportunity. Accompanying this lot is a large file of historical data concerning this iconic American Bowie knife. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Knife measures just over 19" overall including tip of tang. The silver mounted crown stag grip has been professionally restored by contemporary knife maker and conservator Tim Ridge (Swamp Fox Knives) of Crossville, TN who ironically works only 50 miles away from where Samuel Bell worked in his early days in Tennessee. Blade is fine overall, retaining quite a sharp edge grey/white overall with scattered staining and several nicks in cutting edge, still retains polish marks. Scabbard is equally fine with silver patina, several cuts on back side, with fine engraved scrolls, decorations and markings as fresh and vivid as when they were applied about 180 years ago. Stag grip is fine with patina to silver cap and ferrule. A massive, well balanced unique weapon. 44797-29 JS (75,000-125,000)