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. It explores Colt's patent strategy, the rise of European manufacturing hubs like Liège, and the distinction between legal licensed copies ('Colt Brevete') and later post-expiration reproductions. The analysis highlights the varying quality of these firearms, from high-end licensed pieces to crude counterfeits, and touches upon Colt's legal battles to protect its intellectual property.

Quick Summary

The 'Colt Brevete' stamp on a revolver indicates a licensed copy of a Samuel Colt design, produced under a royalty agreement and inspected for quality at the Liège proof house. After Colt's patents expired, many manufacturers legally produced similar revolvers without the 'Brevete' mark.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Colt Brevete' mean on a revolver?

'Colt Brevete' signifies a licensed copy of a Samuel Colt firearm design. Manufacturers paid a royalty to Colt and had their guns inspected for quality at the Liège proof house, receiving this stamp if they met standards.

Why were there so many Colt copies made in Europe?

Colt's patents were valuable, leading to widespread copying. European manufacturing centers like Liège, Belgium, produced numerous revolvers, initially infringing patents and later producing legal copies after patents expired.

How did Colt control the quality of 'Brevete' copies?

Colt established a licensing system where an agent, Devos-Sera, was stationed at the Liège proof house. This agent inspected firearms, and only those meeting quality standards were allowed the 'Colt Brevete' stamp and sold with a royalty payment.

What is the difference between 'Colt Brevete' and post-legal copies?

'Colt Brevete' refers to licensed copies made while Colt's patents were active, involving royalty payments. Post-legal copies were made after the patents expired, allowing manufacturers to produce Colt-style revolvers freely without the stamp or fees.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →