This is an exceptional example of a Colt Burgess Lever Action Rifle that was manufactured circa 1885. The Colt-Burgess was the only lever action firearm produced in quantity by Colt; a total of 2,593 carbines and 3,810 rifles were manufactured between 1883 and 1885. The rifle has a 25 1/2-inch round barrel with 15-shot magazine. Round barrels were an option on Colt-Burgess rifles; only 1,219 rifles were manufactured with round barrels. The barrel has a Rocky Mountain style front sight with nickel-silver blade and a buckhorn, sporting style, rear sight. The stock has a crescent steel buttplate with sliding brass butt-trap door. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped; "COLT'S PT. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." above the Burgess 1873-1882 patent dates. The Rampant Colt trademark is boldly stamped on the left side of the receiver. The serial number, "5690" is stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the trigger. The rifle has a subdued blue finish on the barrel and magazine and a high polish blue finish on the receiver. The bolt, loading gate, trigger and receiver screws are fire blue. The forearm cap, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate have a color casehardened finish. The stock and forearm are oil-finished, straight grain, American walnut.

Very fine. The rifle retains 70% plus of bright original blue and casehardened finish. Nearly all of the blue finish is present on the barrel; the Colt Hartford legend is sharp. The magazine has about 90% of the blue finish with some scattered surface discoloration and some thinning on the bottom of the magazine. The high polish blue on the sides and edges of the receiver shows handling wear and the finish is about 60% intact. The fire blue finish on the bolt, loading gate, trigger and receiver screws has faded. The case colors on the forearm cap and buttplate have a silver-gray patina. The bottom of the buttplate has been lightly cleaned. The stock and forearm are both in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the oil finish. The right side of the forearm has one shallow bruise and a few very minor handling marks. Missing rear sight elevator. This is an outstanding example of a scarce Colt-Burgess Lever action rifle.