Offered here is a first edition (1866, printer: Alvord, New York) of the privately printed biography of famed firearms inventor and manufacturer Samuel Colt, “Armsmear: the Home, the Arm, and the Armory of Samuel Colt. A Memorial.” The book features a handwritten dated presentation inscription by Samuel Colt’s widow, Elizabeth. The inscription reads, “To the/Rev. Dr. Henry A. Coit/With most sincere respects of Mrs. Samuel Colt/Armsmear/Christmas 1871.” Elizabeth or Samuel Colt’s connection to Dr. Coit is unknown at the time of writing. Dr. Henry Augustus Coit was an American clergyman, and was named the first Rector of St. Paul's School in Concord New Hampshire, a position he would hold for nearly 40 years. During his time as Rector, the school would grow from 3 students when St. Paul's School opened to 320 at the time of Coit's death. The model set up at St. Paul's has become the standard for boarding schools across the country. The book features a black leather bound cover with gold embossing. The inside cover retains a label for the library at St. Paul's School and a William M. Locke label on the page opposite. It is housed in a custom green protection case with gold embossed "ARMSMEAR/a memorial". Includes a January 24, 1974 dated Norm Flayderman letter from the purchase of the book and several other items. Provenance: Dr. Henry Augustus Coit; The William M. Locke Collection; Norm Flayderman; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine showing very little wear overall for both the text's advanced age and life in a school library. The whole of the inscription, including Elizabeth Colt's signature is clear and legible. This is a piece of Colt history that would make an excellent addition to any Colt collection!