Samuel Colt would be proud.
The man whose guns helped win the West founded Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in 1855, the company we now know today as Colt's Manufacturing Company.
Samuel Colt is best known for firearms such as the Colt Walker and Colt Single Action Army. Later, Colt’s Manufacturing Company would roll out iconic models including the Colt Python, the Colt M1911, and later versions of the AR-15 and M16 rifles.
While we think of Colt as a designer and manufacturer who revolutionized firearms production through the use of interchangeable machined parts, it was his marketing that truly stood out.
Nearly everybody is familiar with the phrase ‘God created men, but Sam Colt made them equal.’ The line became closely associated with Colt's marketing and remains part of popular culture today through movies and television.
What many people don't realize is that Sam Colt was among the first to use what we'd now call influencers and even created a rudimentary affiliate marketing program.
He and his staff sought out unsolicited news mentions of Colt products to reprint excerpts for marketing purposes. Later, Colt hired people in other states to seek out such stories, purchase copies, and in some cases reward editors with free revolvers for publishing those stories.
Samuel Colt’s use of custom engraved firearms as gifts to celebrities, military officers, and heads of state—which was considered innovative at the time—mirrors what many companies do today with those they hope will promote their brand.
These original Colt customs are certainly among the most highly collectible models produced by Colt, especially those engraved with Colt’s name and later his signature.
Which brings us to today.
The tradition of highly customized Colt firearms continues. This week, two distributors announced the availability of limited run Colt products customized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
On Tuesday, Iron Valley Supply announced the exclusive availability of a Colt 1911 USA 250th Anniversary Special Edition. Limited to just 500 pistols, this classic Government Model 1911 features a high-polish blued finish and gold embellishments by Baron Engraving depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence while honoring those who have fought to defend our freedoms.
The pistol is outfitted with satin-finished dark walnut grips inlaid with a Betsy Ross Flag medallion. The MSRP for this exclusive pistol is $2,625. In speaking with Iron Valley Supply, they expect these will sell out in short order, so contact your local retailer if you are interested in adding one to your collection.
Following Iron Valley’s announcement, Orion Wholesale on Wednesday announced its own tribute to America's 250th anniversary with a Colt America 250 Set.
This is a limited-edition set of three handguns, a Colt King Cobra Target 22, Colt 1911 Government, and a Colt Python. Each is intricately embellished with deep laser engraving “inspired by American patriotism and history creating a collector-grade presentation worthy of the nation's 250-year milestone.”
Only 250 sequentially numbered sets are being produced.
Each firearm in the Colt America 250 collection features sequential numbering and comes with a handcrafted premium walnut display case featuring a custom-etched presentation glass lid, along with an official certificate of authenticity.
Orion says that the Colt America 250 is expected to be one of the most sought-after commemorative firearm releases tied to the nation's Semi-quincentennial celebration.
The MSRP for the set is $11,999. According to the Orion representative working on the project, the company expects to start shipping sets as early as next week with the shipping of the entire 250 completed by the end of July.
These are being distributed through allocation to Orion’s dealer network, so if you are interested in obtaining one, be sure to contact your local dealer. Otherwise, you may have to seek one out on the resale or auction market, where the $12,000 price tag could quickly become wishful thinking.
Perhaps the earliest Colt 250th commemorative to reach the market was an exclusive offering from Crow Wholesale.
The Colt 1911 .45 ACP Union of Time 250th Anniversary is limited to just 100 units and created to honor America’s 250th. The pistol is beautifully embellished with a high polished finish and accented with 24K gold.
The Union of Time features deep-relief patriotic engraving with hand-painted accents incorporated in the grips, as well as the frame and slide. All designed to commemorate the nation’s enduring legacy through craftsmanship and detail.
The package comes complete with a collector-grade premium leather presentation case with combination locks and a certificate of authenticity.
With its long legacy and heritage of producing custom firearms, Colt is likely to offer additional limited-edition handguns celebrating America's 250th anniversary, giving collectors something to look forward to.
– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network