This is an absolutely beautiful deluxe New York presentation grade engraved, early production Colt-Burgess saddle ring carbine. It is estimated that not more than 2,500 saddle ring carbines were ever manufactured between 1883 and 1885. The included factory letter lists this carbine with a 20 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, blue finish and wood stock when shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York City on August 23, 1883. This specific saddle ring carbine is pictured on pages 434 and 435 in "The Art of the Gun: Magnificent Colts, Selections from the Robert Lee Collection". The engraving on the superb carbine covers 60% overall the metal surface and is attributed to the Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke. An almost identical engraving pattern is also noted in the Nimschke pattern record book published by R.L. Wilson. This engraved pattern consists of a masterfully done vine and scroll engraving pattern with a heavy punch dot background. In the center of the frame on both sides is a large half-dollar size circular panel that has been outlined with a "dot and dash" type geometric pattern. The left side panels depicts the prominent Rampant Colt logo, and on the right side it is blank. The edges and borders of the frame have also been engraved with a very similar geometric pattern much like the later Cuno Helfricht engraved patterns. The engraving covers both full sides of the receiver the top and under sides, the top lower tangs as well as the front and rear ends of the barrel and both barrel bands and heel of the buttplate. It has a presentation grade dual finish as applied by the New York retailer; the entire receiver, hammer, breechblock and both top and lower tangs having been gold wash plated, and the cocking lever, barrel, magazine tube and buttplate have a high polish nickel plated type finish. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two-line address/patent dates. It has a fixed rear sight and barrel mounted small carbine blade type front sight. The serial number "757" is engraved on the lower tang directly behind the trigger. It is fitted with a beautiful set of English/Turkish deluxe presentation grade walnut buttstock and forend with beautiful dark streaking through both the buttstock and forend. Both the stock and forend have a beautiful, fine line hand checkered diamond pattern through the grip area and sides of the forend. The stock is fitted with a steel crescent shaped carbine buttplate with the sliding trapdoor compartment and does not include any cleaning rod.

Exceptionally fine with 60% of the gilt finish still remaining overall on the receiver and hammer, and 85% of the nickel plated finish still remaining on the various other parts as noted above. The stock and forend are both fine with most of the varnish still remaining overall, some minor light scratches and handling marks on the sides, a large vertical pressure dent visible on the right lower side of the wrist area, and a hairline crack visible on the front right rear underside of the forend. Provenance: Philip R. Phillips, Warren Anderson, The Robert M. Lee Collection.