Memory bank, January 4

God created men, Sam Colt made them equal.

Gunmaker Samuel Colt got his first government contract -- to provide 1,000 .44-caliber revolvers for the U.S. Mounted Riflemen -- on January 4, 1847.

The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen was raised at Jeff Barracks, Mo., in 1846. It was the forerunner of the 3d Armored Cavalry.