Inventor of the revolver. His factory was one of the most innovative in its use of mass-production technique, and the Colt "six shooter" caught on with individuals—especially in the American West—but not with the U.S. Army. He directed Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company until his death. Scarce historical LS signed “Sam Colt,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Hartford, February 17, 1860, concerning politics on the eve of the Civil War. Colt wrote to an unidentified judge (who was probably Stephen A. Douglas) “A resolution was prepared to instruct our delegates to vote the straight Douglas ticket…the result of the Charleston Convention is looked upon here as almost inevitable…and no exertion shall be spared to secure the desired result. The small politicians of both parties are aghast at the result, and some of our very able and worthy now find themselves left out because of their desire to lead and not commit themselves to your interest” This was most likely sent to Stephen A. Douglas. A very loyal Democrat, in the 1860 Presidential election he opposed Lincoln, fearing that his election would destroy the Union. Instead, he supported Douglas. Colt was known to watch the ballot boxes used by his workers to insure they voted Democratic. In this letter, Colt mentions the raucous 1860 Democratic Convention. The delegates could not agree on a nominee and a slavery platform, and it broke up unsuccessfully. The Democrats reconvened on June 18th in Baltimore and nominated Douglas. The Civil War was good for Colt's business; during the conflict, his factory sold 300,000 revolvers and a 100,000 rifles to both armies. Douglas toured New England in the spring of 1860, and appealed to a number of wealthy benefactors for campaign funds; only his friend Colt responded. Large signature. The Colt letter is accompanied by an archive containing two handwritten letters from his wife, a letter dated June 3, 1858 from East Hartford from a Mrs. Cornwall regarding the upcoming marriage of Colt, a transcript and newspaper articles concerning charitable concerns of Mrs. Colt, obituaries, etc. .In overall fine condition, with some very light soiling. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
