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The Colt Story

1814

Samuel Colt is born in Hartford, CT.

1836

Sam Colt receives U.S. Patent No. 138 for the first revolving-cylinder pistol — the first Colt Firearm.  

Samuel Colt standing with his left hand placed inside his vest and his right hand resting on a book laying on a table. Inscription on back reads "Negative at 751 Maple Ave. Hfd Ja 2-1907 (photo taken 1/2/59) (Mr. Chas Rarus)"

1836

Sam Colt builds his first factory in Paterson, NJ, the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company, and begins making the Paterson revolver.

A drawing of the Colt Texas Paterson .40 cal revolver manufactured in 1836. Behind the revolver is a cowboy on horseback with the Colt Texas Paterson in hand pursuing Native Americans on horseback. One of six prints enclosed in a folded cover entitled "A Collection of Colt Historical Prints 1836-1873".

1847

Captain Samuel H. Walker of the U.S. Army and Sam Colt collaborate on the development of a new, more powerful revolver, known as the Walker. 

A drawing of the Colt Walker Model .44 cal revolver manufactured in 1847. Behind the revolver soldiers on horseback shoot Colt Walker revolvers at distant foes on horseback.One of six prints enclosed in a folded cover entitled "A Collection of Colt Historical Prints 1836-1873".

1855

Sam Colt incorporates his business and constructs the new armory in Hartford, CT, overlooking the Connecticut River. Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company becomes the world’s largest private armament factory, producing 150 weapons daily.

A drawing of Colt's patent firearms manufactory in Hartford, Conn.

1861

The American Civil War begins. Colt’s revolver and Special Model rifle musket orders fulfilled one of the largest Union armament contracts for the war.

1862

Sam Colt passes away at age 47. His wife, Elizabeth Jarvis Colt, inherits a controlling interest in the company.

1864

The Colt Armory burns to rubble. Fortunately, Elizabeth had insured the property and rebuilds the facilities. Production resumes stronger than ever.

The remains of the Colt's armory and office building after the fire of February 4, 1864. A group of people are gathered in front of the armory and a man with a group of children are stand in front of the office building next to a horse and carriage. A single man in black stand on the balcony of the office building ruins. Inscription on back of larger photo: "Colt's Pat Fire Arms Mfg Co.--after fire of Feb 4, 1864."

1867

Colt introduces its first Gatling Gun using the design patented by Richard J. Gatling in 1862. The hand-drive machine gun played a significant role in the war, solving issues of reliability and reloading, and by firing sustained bursts. U.S. troops and police utilized it for decades, and modern variations still exist today.

A horse drawn "Police Patrol" wagon stands in front of a police station in Hartford, Connecticut. Standing in the wagon are four police officers and a Model 1872 "Police" Gatling Gun. Another police officer stands beside the wagon. Inscription on back: "Hfd Police Dept - Showing Gatling Gun Circa 1880-1890" Printed on front of mount: "Stuart 8x10 Hartford, CONN." This photo is the basis for the engraving appearing in "Scientific American," March 19, 1892.

1873

Colt introduces the iconic Single Action Army revolver — also known as the Peacemaker, Colt 45, and ‘gun that won the West’. Colt secures a U.S. government contract designating the SAA as the standard military service revolver and delivers over 30,000 from 1873 to 1891.

A drawing of the Colt Peacemaker .45 cal revolver manufactured in 1873. The scene beneath the revolver shows a sheriff, holding a Colt Peacemaker in each hand, apprehending three men playing cards.One of six prints enclosed in a folded cover entitled "A Collection of Colt Historical Prints 1836-1873".

1877

Colt introduces its first double-action revolver, the Model 1877, beginning a long legacy of manufacturing  premier double-action revolvers.

Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver. 38 caliber, 4 1/2-inch barrel with fixed front sight and frame notch rear sight. Blued and case-hardened finish. Three-line, three date patent. Checkered factory hard rubber grip panels.

1889

Colt introduces the Model 1889 Navy, the first Colt double-action revolver with a swing out cylinder, leading to a 5,000 revolver order by the U.S. Navy and subsequent Army and Navy contracts for later, improved models.

1896

NYPD Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt selects the Colt New Police 32 caliber revolver as the first standard-issue revolver for the NYPD police force.

1900

Colt introduces its first production automatic pistol, the Colt Model 1900, which was the first handgun to utilize short-recoil operation.

Colt Model 1900, .38 ACP caliber, 6" barrel, blue, plain walnut grips. Serial number-135. Condition is 80% based on Fjestad Blue Book, 32nd edition.

1901

After many years of stewardship, Elizabeth Colt sells the Colt Armory to a group of investors. Elizabeth passes away in 1905, leaving behind a significant legacy of contributions to industry and the community.

Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt with her son Caldwell, Oil on canvas, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford.

1911

After years of rigorous testing and competition the Colt Model 1911, designed by John Browning, is officially adopted as the standard sidearm of the United States Armed Forces, replacing the 38 Caliber Colt revolver.

1917

The U.S. enters World War I, and Colt ramps up production of Model 1911s and Colt-Vickers Machine Guns to help arm the war effort.

1939

World War II begins, and Colt, along with several other manufacturers, produce 1.8 million Model 1911A1 pistols supporting the war effort and Allied victory over the Axis powers.

A parish priest waves a newspaper with news of Germany's unconditional surrender to elated pupils of a Roman Catholic parochial school waving American flags in Chicago.

1950

After the war, a renewed interested in the SAA kicks off Colt’s countless appearances in Hollywood productions.

A group portrait of seven stars of the most popular westerns on television in the late 1950's. All are dressed in character and have Colt revolvers drawn. They are standing on the set of an old west town in front of the gunsmith and Marshall's office. From l to r are Will Hutchins "Sugarfoot", Pete Brown - "Lawman", Jack Kelly "Maverick", Ty Hardin "Cheyenne", James Gardner [sic] "Maverick", Wade [sic] Preston "Colt .45", and John Russell "Lawman".

1950

Colt introduces a series of firearms incorporating a lightweight alloy frame, including the Cobra revolver and the Commander semi-automatic pistol.

1955

Colt introduces arguably the finest production revolver ever produced, the Colt Python.

The black-and-white image shows an older man standing in the Colt firearm manufacturing facility. He is holding a Python revolver, carefully inspecting it. The man is dressed in a short-sleeved dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a striped tie, and pleated trousers. A pen or pencil is visible in his shirt pocket, giving a practical and work-focused appearance. In the background, there are workbenches filled with various tools, materials, and partially assembled firearms. Several other workers can be seen engaged in similar tasks, contributing to the industrial atmosphere. The overhead lighting casts a bright, even illumination across the workspace, emphasizing the detailed craftsmanship involved in the manufacturing process. The overall scene conveys a sense of meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality in the production of firearms.

1961

Colt purchases exclusive manufacturing and marketing rights to the AR-15 from the Armalite Division of Fairchild Engine Corporation, Hollywood, CA.

1963

Colt wins its first government contract for 104,000 M16 rifles.

1976

Colt introduces the Colt Custom Shop, where Master Gunsmiths and Master Engravers build and customize Colt firearms to the exact specifications of each customer.

Custom Engraved Single Action revolver with gold inlays, wooden grips. Pat. September 19, 1871 - July 2.72 Jan 19.75

1979

Colt sponsors the first NRA Bianchi Cup.  The Bianchi Cup is the NRA Action Pistol Championship, held annually in Columbia, Missouri.

The image displays a badge-like emblem with a star-shaped design. At the center of the star, there's an illustration of a person aiming a pistol directly at the viewer. Surrounding this central image, the words "BIANCHI" at the top and "POLICE - MILITARY - SPORTSMAN" encircle the figure. Beneath the emblem, the text "BIANCHI CUP" is written, followed by "INTERNATIONAL PISTOL TOURNAMENT." The overall design gives a formal and authoritative impression, likely representing a competitive shooting event focused on various disciplines including police, military, and sportsman participation.

1994

Colt moves remaining operations from the Hartford Facility to West Hartford, CT.

1994

U.S. Military first adopts the Colt M4 Carbine for special use, which later becomes the standard issue firearm of all branches of the U.S. Military.

The image displays a black Colt M4 Carbine, a type of assault rifle commonly used by military and law enforcement. The rifle features a long barrel with a flash suppressor at the end. The handguard is ribbed for grip and covers the area just forward of the receiver. The rifle has a detachable carry handle on top, which includes the rear sight. The magazine inserted is a standard metal, curved design, typically holding 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, as indicated by the markings on the lower receiver. The buttstock is collapsible, allowing for adjustments in length to suit the user. The rifle's overall design is functional and robust, optimized for performance in various combat and tactical scenarios. The Colt logo and the model designation "M4 CARBINE CAL. 5.56MM" are clearly visible on the side of the lower receiver.

2005

The image contains the Colt logo, a well-known American firearms manufacturer. The logo features a stylized "C" with a smaller "O" within it. The word "COLT" is written in all caps with a red maple leaf above. The iconic "C" shape represents a gun barrel and the maple leaf is indicative of the company's Canadian origins. The logo is black and white with the exception of the red maple leaf, signifying the country of origin. A registered trademark symbol (R) is located in the bottom right corner.

Colt Defense purchases the Canadian arms manufacturer Diemaco, which becomes Colt Canada.

2006

Samuel Colt inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

The image is a black-and-white portrait of Samuel Colt, the famous American inventor and industrialist known for developing the Colt revolver. The portrait shows him with a serious expression, wearing formal attire typical of the 19th century, including a suit, vest, and a bow tie. He has a full beard and mustache, with curly hair that frames his face. The image appears to be an engraving or an early photograph, capturing Colt's distinguished and authoritative appearance.

2008

Hartford’s Coltsville Historic District is designated a National Historic Landmark.

An aerial view of the Colt's complex, with the armory sitting in the center. The entire complex has been brightened for effect, with the exception of the workers houses, which sit towards the lower left corner of the picture. Picture of rampant colt on back.

2012

Colt Defense is awarded M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol contract with the United States Marine Corps.

2013

Colt Defense purches Colt’s Manufacturing Company, once again forming a single company to develop, manufacture and sell firearms under the Colt name for all markets

2016

Colt’s Manufacturing is purchased by a group of private investors.

2016

Colt introduces the Colt Competition Pistol, offering an upgraded 1911 pistol for novice and expert shooters alike.

The image displays a Colt Competition Pistol, a semi-automatic handgun, set against a dark blue background. The pistol has a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel slide and a black frame. The text "COLT" is engraved on the slide, along with "GOVERNMENT MODEL" and "AUTOMATIC CALIBER .45." The pistol's grip has a textured surface for enhanced handling, featuring the Colt logo. The barrel's muzzle is pointed slightly toward the viewer, showcasing the firearm's precision-crafted details. The overall appearance suggests a high-quality, performance-oriented firearm designed for competitive shooting.

2017

Colt brings back the Cobra revolver, beginning the resurgence of the Snake Gun series after a 20 year hiatus on DA revolvers.

The image shows a silver revolver with a black ergonomic grip. The firearm is a Colt Cobra, a double-action revolver, with the brand name "Cobra" and the caliber "38 SPL +P" engraved on the barrel. The cylinder, which is designed to hold six rounds, is partially open, revealing some of the chambers. The revolver has a front sight with an orange insert for better visibility. The grip features a textured surface, providing a secure hold, and is branded with the Colt logo. The iconic Colt horse emblem is also engraved on the frame near the hammer. The overall appearance is sleek, modern, and functional, intended for durability and ease of use.

2020

The beloved Colt Python is re-introduced with modern design and manufacturing techniques.

This is an image of a stainless steel revolver pistol with dark wood grips. The pistol is angled in a way that the barrel is pointed to the left of the frame and the grips are pointing to the right. The pistol is sitting on a surface that looks like ice or frost. The background is a blurry white with a light blue hue, and the focus is on the pistol. The word "PYTHON .357" is engraved on the top of the barrel.

2020

Colt Introduces the M5 Carbine.

The photo shows a black Colt M5 Carbine rifle. The rifle is pointed to the right of the frame, with the front of the barrel facing the left side of the image. The rifle has a black magazine, a black grip, and a black stock. There is a raised sight on the top of the barrel. The rifle is brand new and appears to be unused. The background is solid white.

2021

Colt re-introduces a redesigned Colt Anaconda in 44 Magnum.

A stainless steel revolver with the name "ANACONDA 44 MAGNUM" engraved on its side is resting on a grey wooden bench. The background is blurred, but it appears to be a sunny outdoor setting with people and chairs. The picture appears to be taken from an angle where the camera is looking at the gun directly. The focus is on the gun and the bench, making the image appear to be a still life. This image is likely about gun safety and awareness.

2021

Česká zbrojovka aquires Colt Holding Company (the parent company of Colt’s Manufacturing Company).

2022

Recognizing the global strength of the Colt brand, Česká zbrojovka Group renames itsellf Colt CZ Group SE. 

2024

Colt re-introduces a redesigned Blued Python in 357 Magnum.

A blued revolver with a walnut wooden grip and a gold Colt Medallion in the top center of the grips. The firearm is a Blue Python, a double-action revolver, with the brand name "Python" and the caliber "357" engraved on the barrel. The cylinder, which is designed to hold six rounds, is partially open, revealing some of the chambers. The revolver has a front sight with an orange insert for better visibility.

2024

Colt acquires ownership of the Mk 47 40mm Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher system. 

An Mk 47, a 40mm automatic grenade launcher with an integrated fire control system, capable of launching smart programmable 40mm air burst grenades in addition to various unguided rounds.
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