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.