Colt "Brevete" Copies: Legal, Illegal, and Post-Legal

Published on November 27, 2016
Duration: 24:58

This video delves into the complex history of 'Brevete' Colt revolvers, which are licensed and unlicensed copies of Samuel Colt's designs. Ian McCollum, a recognized expert, explains the nuances of patent law, international manufacturing, and the varying quality of these historical firearms, ranging from high-quality licensed pieces to poor-quality counterfeits. The discussion highlights the evolution of Colt's patent enforcement and the impact of patent expiration on the market.

Quick Summary

'Colt Brevete' signifies a licensed copy of a Samuel Colt firearm design, with 'Brevete' being French for 'patented.' These were often produced in Belgium under agreements that included royalty payments and quality inspections. After Colt's patents expired, many manufacturers continued producing similar revolvers legally without the 'Brevete' stamp, creating 'post-legal' copies that varied widely in quality from licensed versions to counterfeits.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Colt Brevete Revolvers
  2. 00:28Colt's Patent History
  3. 02:12The Success of the 1851 Navy and Liège Copies
  4. 04:20The Licensing System and 'Colt Brevete' Stamp
  5. 06:46Patent Expiration and Post-Legal Copies
  6. 08:47Calibers and US Enforcement
  7. 10:20Analysis of Specific Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Colt Brevete' mean on a firearm?

'Colt Brevete' signifies that the firearm is a licensed copy of a Samuel Colt design. The term 'Brevete' is French for 'patented,' indicating that the manufacturer had permission from Colt to produce the firearm, often involving royalty payments and quality control.

Why were there so many Colt revolver copies made in Belgium?

Belgium, particularly Liège, was a major firearms manufacturing hub in the 19th century with skilled gunsmiths. Colt secured patents there, leading to licensed production ('Brevete') and later, after patent expiration, numerous legal and illegal copies emerged from this established industry.

How can one distinguish between a legal Colt Brevete copy and a counterfeit?

Legal 'Colt Brevete' copies typically bear the official stamp and meet quality standards set by Colt's licensing agreement, often featuring Belgian proof marks like ELG. Counterfeits may have inaccurate or hand-engraved markings, poor fit and finish, and lack proper proof marks.

What was the impact of Colt's patent expiration on firearm production?

Once Colt's patents expired (e.g., Belgian patent in 1854, US patent in 1857), other manufacturers could legally produce Colt-style revolvers without licensing fees or the 'Brevete' stamp. This led to a surge in 'post-legal' copies, increasing market availability but also potentially diluting quality.

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