Colt was instrumental in the development of the revolver in the mid-19th century, but on the eve of the 20th century, the company faced tough competition, particularly from Smith & Wesson.

The guerrilla's principal weapon was the .36 caliber 1851 Navy Colt revolver. This gun was named for its inventor, Samuel Colt, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, who as a young man designed the ...