Autry National Center

contact

;

Success Through Failure

Samuel Colt’s first attempt at mass production was the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company. In operation only from 1836 to 1842, the company’s revolvers were unreliable, expensive, and ultimately deemed unfit for military service. The best patron of the short-lived venture was the Republic of Texas. Despite the failure of the company, a young Samuel Colt learned a great deal about manufacturing and the intricacies of running a business.