Samuel Colt's First Government Revolver Contract
January 6th, 1847
January 6th, 1847

How Long Ago?
178 years, 2 months, 9 days ago
Location
Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Mexican-American War
People
- Samuel Colt
Links & References
Tags
Samuel Colt's First Government Revolver Contract
Samuel Colt secured a pivotal contract with the United States government for his innovative revolver pistols, specifically the Colt Paterson. This contract was crucial for Colt's business, allowing him to expand production during a time when demand for rapid-fire weapons was increasing. The government recognized the advantages of Colt's design, especially in the context of military use, leading to this significant partnership.
Introduced Colt's innovative revolver design
Contract was crucial during Mexican-American War
Marked the beginning of Colt's military contracts
Revived interest in repeat-fire weapon technology
What Happened?
In 1847, Samuel Colt, an American inventor and industrialist, achieved a significant milestone by obtaining his first contract for the sale of revolver pistols to the United States government. This agreement was centered around Colt's revolutionary Colt Paterson revolver, which introduced a practical and reliable means of rapid-fire capability in firearms. The contract came at a time when the U.S. was involved in the Mexican-American War, increasing the need for effective weaponry among soldiers. Colt’s revolver was a game changer, offering a six-shot capacity with a revolving cylinder that users found to be remarkably efficient compared to the single-shot pistols commonly used at the time.
The contract was not only essential for Colt in terms of financial backing, but it also marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between his company and the U.S. military. As the first mass-produced revolver in American history, the Colt Paterson was instrumental in shaping firearm development. The contract allowed Colt to ramp up production in Hartford, Connecticut, where he established his factory, leading to innovations that would cement Colt's legacy in the American industrial landscape and military history.
Why Does it Matter?
Samuel Colt's first contract for revolvers paved the way for future military contracts and established a trend towards the adoption of repeat-fire weapons. This innovation significantly impacted the design and manufacturing of firearms, making them more effective and desirable for military and civilian markets. Colt’s company would continue to thrive, and his revolvers became iconic symbols of the American West and military strength, illustrating the evolution of weaponry during a transformative period in the U.S.
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