This model was Colt's only attempt to compete head to head with Winchester in the lever action rifle market. The Burgess was arguably superior to the contemporary Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 rifles. The action was shorter and more refined than the comparable Model 1873. A total of just 3,775 rifles were manufactured between 1883 and 1885. Legend has it that production was halted after an undocumented meeting between Colt and Winchester during which Colt agreed to stay out of the lever action market and Winchester agreed to not release a revolver design (they had been working prototypes for years). It has a German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable rear sight, the two-line Colt barrel legend, factory tapped upper tang for peep sight mounting, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the receiver and a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Fine. 40% original blue remains on the receiver and the barrel and magazine are an attractive plum brown finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer, lever and buttplate. The buttstock is very fine and the otherwise fine forearm has a a small area of cracked and dented wood on the right side, otherwise some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.