The story of Colt Revolvers

By Ruxanda Ursu

Who is Samuel Colt ? Samuel Colt was born on July 19, 1814, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of textile manufacturer Christopher Colt and wife Sarah.

By visiting his father’s mill and helping out at a nearby farm, the young Colt became interested in mechanical objects and his father’s handguns.

The origin of the idea

Even thought we don’t know how Samuel Colt came up with the idea for his revolver, the fact remains that in December of 1835 he filled a patent in England and in February of 1836 filled one in America.

Before Colt’s Revolvers

Before the Colt Revolver, guns were limited to a single shot. These guns took a long time to reload.

Frontiers-men needed a weapon that could be used against superior numbers, and the Colt was able to do this.

Colt Revolvers today

Nowadays, when we think of a handgun, the image that comes to mind is of a revolver with a six-round cylinder — Samuel Colt’s revolver.

Colt Police Positive

Colt 1911 Special Combat CO2 BB pistol

War-tested

Colt received a boost in sales during the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. His weapons contributed to the U.S. Army's success, and to the expansion of American territory.

A Texas Ranger, Captain Samuel Walker, wrote Colt a testimonial that read, in part: "Your pistols...[are] the most perfect weapon in the World... to keep the various warlike tribes of Indians and marauding Mexicans in subjection."

Definition in a few words

Colt’s revolver was a mixture of simplicity and power that filled a hole in the market of the day for a multi-shot weapon.

Curiosities

In the time it took to recharge a single shot rifle, Indians could shoot six arrows or run 150 yards.

Did you know…?

If Samuel Colt would have patented his gun in America, he would not have had the legal right to patent it in England and France.

Samuel Colt hired engravers and craftsmen to decorate special presentation pistols that were given to European kings, Russian czars and military officials, among other dignitaries. These firearms were often lavishly engraved and inlaid with gold.

Hidden word puzzle

HANDGUN

IDEEA

INVENTION

PATENT

REVOLVER

SAMUEL COLT

WAR

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Thank you for your attention!!!