For hundreds of years, firearms were only capable of delivering a single round. After the bullet was expelled, the shooter would have to take the time to reload before he could fire again. The delay of reloading might not be bad during target practice, but imagine if you were facing a charging bear or an enemy during a battle. The time it took to reload your gun could be the difference between life and death. For you or your family.
Samuel Colt |
And, voilà, the Colt revolver was born. Or at least, the concept of a multi-firing mechanism. It was from that early idea that Samuel carved out a wooden prototype which would eventually lead to the development of a rotation-type, six-barrel cylinder pistol.
Colt Experimental Models |
Samuel Colt’s first commercial revolver was called the Colt Paterson. Although it was relatively easy to use, it had one major flaw . . . Users had to partially disassemble the gun to reload. Colt continued to improve his design while he founded a company to manufacture his revolving-cylinder pistol. But sales were dismal, and Samuel's business soon went bankrupt.
Colt Walker Civilian |
Colt Peacemaker |
Samuel Colt died January 10, 1862, at the age of 47. His estate was reportedly worth fifteen million dollars. Samuel’s family sold the company to investors in 1901, and Colt's Manufacturing Company is still in business today.
The imagination and resilience of Samuel Colt embraces what America has been since its history began. Hard work, forward thinking, and a never-give-up attitude is the hallmark of American historical figures.
Is there anyone from American history that you admire for their industrialism? Would you share in the comments who that might be?
Thank you for joining me today at Heroes, Heroines, and History!
Michele Morris’s love for historical fiction began
when she first read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House book series. She grew
up riding horses and spending her free time in the woods of mid-Michigan dreaming
of days-gone-by and knights-in-shining-armor.
Therefore, it only makes sense that she now writes historical romance with a
touch of suspense. Married to her high school sweetheart, they are living
happily-ever-after with their six children, three in-loves, and six
grandchildren in Florida, the sunshine state. When not spending time with her
large brood or writing, Michele enjoys
photography, genealogy, and cooking.
I enjoyed reading this, Michele, especially because there's a Colt in my family tree. My ancestor was born in the same area of Connecticut where Samuel and his family lived, but I haven't found the exact link yet. I suspect Samuel's ancestors were loosely related to mine.
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting, Rebecca! Knowing about my ancestors gives me such s sense of belonging. I hope you're soon able to connect the dots of your family's history.
DeleteI have a son who collects guns. He just got some from his father-in-law's estate that were from WW2. I think Edison and Ben Franklin represent industrious men from history with their numerous inventions. Thanks for your post and you don't look old enough to be a grandmother!!!! Sm. wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy uncle collected guns too. He kept them in a room (man cave style) that was locked with two pad locks! I loved to peek at his collection! Wouldn't it be interesting to know the history of your son's WW2 guns? Thank you for the comment and compliment! :)
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