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Honor and Death

Colt’s greatest contribution to the Union was the production of the New Model Army revolver, .44 caliber. This big-handled 8-inch round barrel six-pistol was carried in the fight at Brandy Station, saw service in the hands of Major General Custer; was a gift of supreme elegance to General Andrew Porter, General McClellan, and others “from the Inventor,” and has been a favorite of cap-and-ball shooters in this century, as it was a weapon of necessity in the last. Early in September, General Ripley realized there was going to be one hell of a scrap to “save the Union.” He began issuing purchase orders and telegrams which had the force of contracts.
Ordnance Office, Washington, September 17, Samuel Colt, Hartford, Connecticut:Deliver weekly, until further orders, as many of your pistols, holsters, new pattern, as you can make.James W. Ripley
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