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 would 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. This example has standard markings and is fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Very good plus, retains 30% plus original blue finish with the balance mostly thinned to a smooth plum brown patina. The slightly ill-fitting replacement forearm is fine with a few light scratches and some filler at the rear where it meets the receiver and the lightly sanded buttstock is very good with a few minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.