Samuel Bell (1798–1882) was born in Pennsylvania and later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. Bell worked at an arms factory at age 14, making swords for use during the War of 1812. Although he served two terms as Knoxville’s mayor between 1840 and 1845, Bell became best known for his work as a silversmith, jeweler, and watch maker. In 1851, Bell left Tennessee and settled in San Antonio, Texas, where he operated a store near the Alamo until his death in 1882.
Below are photos of an original knife in a museum and our reproduction
