Samuel Colt: The Great Equalizer

Although Samuel Colt died in 1862 at age 47, he had lived a remarkably full life, one filled with enough controversy, calamity, failure and success to fill several novels. And, at the time, he was America's wealthiest inventor. Colt's widow took over the reins of the Colt Armory, memorialized Colt's name in American mythology, sanitized his foibles and misdeeds, and oversaw the amazing growth of the largest private armory in the world. Although Henry Ford is recognized for introducing the assembly line to production, Colt revolutionized production by employing standardized parts in the production of his guns and rifles, and this was years before Ford was born. Colt's genius was recognized by other great inventors including Samuel F. B. Morse and Eli Whitney, Jr. Both men worked closely with Colt. Colt and guns have become synonymous and the weapons he produced have been used by Texas Rangers, gold-seeking argonauts coming to California in the gold rush, and in arm conflicts throughout the world. The quality of his workmanship was unquestioned from the 19th century to today. And in October 2008, descendants of Colt sold a Colt Walker .44 caliber revolver at a Maine auction for 800,000! Award-winning author and syndicated columnist Daniel Alef tells Colts remarkable story in his refreshing, interesting and informative style. [1,348-word Titans of Fortune article]