Manufactured circa 1883 to 1885, this is the only lever action firearm made in any quantity in Colt's history with a total production of only 6,403 rifles (3,810) and carbines (2,593). This particular carbine is the version with the lightened frame and barrel and was called the Baby Carbine. Only 972 of this variation were reportedly manufactured. Considerable expense of tooling up to manufacture the Burgess caused Colt to suddenly discontinue the Burgess-Colt long gun. With the low number of production of only 972, this Baby Carbines are not only rare, but also prized by collectors. Features a 20 inch barrel and full length magazine tube with a blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two line Colt address/patent dates with a maltese cross flanking the patent dates. The Rampant Colt is on the left side of the receiver and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. A saddle ring and stud are mounted on the left rear of the receiver. Blue finish with casehardened hammer, lever and buttplate. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm attached by a single barrel band and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included). The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, blue finish, walnut stock, with the barrel length as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 4 to Hodgkins & Haigh in New York, N.Y. on July 11 1884. The notes state "Records show this is a Light Carbine Model."

Fine. 30% of the original blue finish remains, mainly in the protected areas, with a mix of smooth brown and gray patina on the balance. The wood has been freshened with a coat of varnish and remains good with scattered minor dings and scratches. The buttplate slightly overlaps the wood on the toe. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. A rare opportunity to add this rare and highly prized Colt-Burgess to your collection!