Samuel Colt Historical Documents Up for Bids

Those who want to own a piece of firearms history may get the chance.

Three retained signed drafts of Samuel Colt's letters to the Commissioner of Patents about improvements to his 1836 patent for "revolving cylinder guns" will soon be available for purchase, with bids starting at $60,000.

Profiles in History, a leading auctioneer and dealer of historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs, manuscripts and original Hollywood memorabilia, has announced that three official Samuel Colt documents are to be part of their upcoming Historical Document Auction 63.

Occurring on June 13, 2014, at 11 a.m. PST, the auction features Colt's drafts as well as many other historical documents. Although the live auction will take place at Profiles in History's Calabasas, Calif., location, qualified bidders can also participate over the phone, through absentee bids or online.

The auctioning of these Colt historical documents comes just before Samuel Colt's 200th birthday on July 19, 2014. His birthday is celebrated in the July 2014 issue of Guns & Ammo, with a full-feature historical article reviving the awareness of the influences behind Colt's innovations.

A legend of gun design, Colt is widely credited for producing one of the first commercially viable revolvers. Many of his revolver designs — especially the Single Action Army — are still revered today. The commemorative pistol below reflects the masterpiece whose traditions are celebrated to this day.