Samuel Colt's First Government Revolver Contract

January 6th, 1847

January 6th, 1847

Samuel Colt's First Government Revolver Contract
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
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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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