Lot 3255: Colt Deluxe Model 1883 Burgess Lever Action Rifle

This model is famous as Colt's only attempt to compete head to head with Winchester in the lever action rifle market. The Burgess was arguably superior to the comparable Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 thanks to its shorter, smoother, and more refined design. However, only a total of just 3,775 rifles were manufactured in 1883-1885, 2,556 with octagon barrels and 1,219 with round barrels. Colt may have dropped the Burgess as part of an agreement with Winchester, or they may have simply decided to focus their attention on their distinctive Lightning rifles. Regardless, the Burgess is one of the nicest and rarest of the late 19th century lever actions. The rifle has a combination Beach front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the frame, trapdoor crescent buttplate (empty stock compartment), and checkered, highly figured select walnut forearm and straight grip stock. Very few of the deluxe version of the Colt Burgess rifle are known to have survived. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very good, retaining traces of the old refinished blue with some minor-moderate pitting mostly on the receiver and the magazine having a thinned blue-gray appearance. The wood is also very good with minor dings and scratches and some blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically functions fine with loose lever.