How Gwyn & Campbell ousted the original inventor — the Civil War patent heist

Published on March 2, 2026
Duration: 1:06

This video details the history of the Cosmopolitan carbine, focusing on the patent dispute between inventor Henry Gross and the Cosmopolitan Arms Factory's Edward Gwyn and Campbell. It explains how Gwyn and Campbell patented a simplified action, effectively ousting Gross from the business by no longer producing firearms covered by his original patent.

Quick Summary

The Cosmopolitan carbine, produced by the Cosmopolitan Arms Factory, saw its first deliveries in the summer of 1862. Inventor Edward Gwyn later patented a simplified action in the fall of 1862, allowing him and Campbell to produce firearms under their own patent and effectively oust the original inventor, Henry Gross.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Cosmopolitan Arms Factory and Carbine Name
  2. 00:10Delivery of First Carbines (Summer 1862)
  3. 00:19The Patent Twist: Gwyn's Royalties
  4. 00:31Gwyn Simplifies the Action and Patents
  5. 00:42Gwyn and Campbell Oust Henry Gross
  6. 00:57Carbine Renamed Gwyn and Campbell

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Cosmopolitan carbine originally called and when were the first models delivered?

The carbine was initially known as the Cosmopolitan carbine, named after the Cosmopolitan Arms Factory. The first carbines were delivered in the summer of 1862, with the entire order completed in June and July of that year.

How did Edward Gwyn and Campbell sideline the original inventor, Henry Gross?

Edward Gwyn patented a simplified version of the carbine's action in the fall of 1862. This allowed Gwyn and Campbell to produce firearms covered by their own patent, thereby avoiding royalties to Henry Gross and effectively removing his designs from production.

What led to the Cosmopolitan carbine being renamed Gwyn and Campbell?

The carbine was renamed Gwyn and Campbell after Edward Gwyn patented a simplified action. This change signified their shift to manufacturing firearms under their own patent, moving away from the original designs patented by Henry Gross.

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