The Guns that Won the West: Colt: An American Legend

For over 150 years the “Rampant Colt" has been one of America’s best known business logos. The Rampant Colt dates back to heraldry and was the device of the Colt family. It depicts a rearing horse, standing on its hind legs and kicking with its forelegs against a hedge of spears. It was adopted by Samuel Colt as a trademark for his patent firearms and has been stamped on a good many guns over the years. The Colt mystique has captured the imagination of America like no other brand and gun collectors will pay more for a Colt firearm than any other as a rule of thumb.

Samuel Colt produced his first revolver in 1836 after designing it while on an ocean voyage. Pictures of the wooden mock up the inventor made while on his cruise are included in the book. From those small beginnings, Colt’s business really took off when the Army bought 1,000 44 caliber Colt’s revolvers for the Mexican War. Those guns became the foundation for a business relationship with the US Armed Forces that continues to this day.

Throughout the history of the USA there has not been a war in which Colt firearms did not play an important part. In each of these conflicts, Colt’s firearms have distinguished themselves. Corporal Alvin C. York used a Colt 45 Automatic Pistol in his single-handed assault on German machinegun positions that resulted in his Medal of Honor at the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918. Lieutenant Audie Murphy used a Colt-manufactured Browning 50 caliber machinegun in the action near Holtzwihr in 1945 that resulted in his Medal of Honor, also. In the present early years of the twenty-first century, Colt M16 rifles and M4 carbines are in the front lines of operations in Iraq and the War Against Terror. Millions of US military veterans have had a personal relationship with Colt firearms and will usually offer their opinion if asked.

Out on the Western plains, the Colt revolvers became known as the cowboy’s friend; the Peacemaker; the gun that won the west. Everybody who has seen a Western or read a cowboy story is familiar with the pivotal role Colt firearms played in the settling of the American West.

Colt has produced specially decorated firearms; usually single action revolvers, for many heads of state, including Presidents of the United States. The Single Action Army revolver provides a suitable canvas for the engraver's art and the scope of the talent lavished on the firearms is breathtaking. Several of these are reproduced in the lifesize photographs included in Colt: An American Legend.

The 9 x 12” 400 page hard backed book is by R. L. Wilson, the historical consultant to Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. Beautifully illustrated in over 400 full color photographs by Sid Latham, Colt: An American Legend traces the development of all Colt firearms from 1836 to its 150th anniversary, 1986. All of the many models manufactured over that long period are represented, many in one of a kind engraved form. The pictures are so wonderful even a non-fancier will be captivated and a gun aficionado will be transfixed. There is a complete listing of all models produced, with descriptions and an appendix that lists each by serial numbers and years of manufacturer so you can zero in on that rare collectible your grandfather (I hope) left you!

Fans of weaponry, fine art, history, technology, and beautiful photography will applaud Colt: An American Legend. It is a valued part of my own library and I highly recommend it for yours.

Thanks for reading!


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