The Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were only available from 1883 to around 1885, and only 6,403 were manufactured. They were designed by Andrew Burgess who held 894 patents by the end of his life. It has long been rumored that Colt and Winchester came to an agreement that Colt exit the lever action market and Winchester would not release a revolver. There seems to be little other reason for Colt to have discontinued these fine repeating arms so quickly after they introduced them. The Burgess is arguably more advanced and refined than the Winchester Model 1873. The factory letters lists this rifle in .44-40 with a 25 1/2 inch octagon barrel, blue finish, and walnut stock when it was shipped on March 21, 1885, in a shipment of 10 guns of this type to Hartley & Graham in New York City. It has a "Rocky Mountain" style nickel-silver front sight, the two-line address and patent marking, an adjustable sporting rear sight, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the frame, a cleaning rod in the stock compartment, and smooth stock and forearm.

Fine with 40% plus original blue finish turning to an even brown along the barrel, patches of distinct original blue finish on the frame, smooth brown patina on the balance, some patches of minor pitting, and general minor wear. The wood is also fine and has smooth oiled finish, a slight flake/chip at the corner of the wrist on the right, and the usual light scratches and pressure marks. Mechanically fine. This is an exceptional original Colt Burgess rifle that is well above most other examples usually found!