Horace Smith (inventor)

Horace Smith (October 28, 1808 – January 15, 1893) was an American gunsmith, inventor, and businessman. He is best known as the co-founder, along with Daniel B. Wesson, of the Smith & Wesson firearms manufacturing company.

Smith was born in Cheshire, Massachusetts. Prior to forming a partnership with Wesson, Smith worked as a gunsmith and inventor, focusing on improving firearms technology.

In 1852, Smith and Wesson formed the "Volcanic Repeating Arms Company" to manufacture a lever-action pistol and rifle utilizing the Volcanic cartridge. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company experienced financial difficulties.

In 1856, Smith and Wesson sold their interests in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. The company was reorganized and renamed the "New Haven Arms Company," which later became the Winchester Repeating Arms Company under the leadership of Oliver Winchester.

Following the sale of Volcanic Repeating Arms, Smith and Wesson formed a new company, the "Smith & Wesson Revolver Company," to manufacture revolvers using a bored-through cylinder and metallic cartridges developed by Rollin White. This marked a significant advancement in firearm technology. Smith & Wesson secured patent rights for the revolver design and experienced considerable success in the firearms market.

Smith retired from Smith & Wesson in 1874, selling his interest in the company to Wesson. He then focused on other business ventures, including real estate. He died in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1893. His contributions to firearms technology and the establishment of Smith & Wesson have made him a significant figure in the history of American manufacturing.