Colt is a name synonymous with the Wild West. Samuel Colt started making firearms in 1836, and this revolver is one of his early pieces. He later founded Colt Manufacturing in 1855. They are still in business today, making American firearms. This custom revolver is a rather early example of their custom work. How do we know? It was made prior to the use of serial numbers. Yes, gun control was a thing as far back as the 1800s! If this revolver had a serial number, we would actually be able to trace its ownership through the Colt historical archives, just as we trace gun ownership today. Here's another fun fact related to early gun control. Back in in the wild west, visitors would turn their guns in to the sheriff when they came to town!