The Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were only available from 1883 to around 1885. 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 is one of only 2,556 Colt Burgess rifle manufactured with an octagon barrel. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend. The left side of the receiver is stamped with a Rampant Colt. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The plain forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut.

Very good. The barrel, magazine, forend cap and receiver retain 80% dull period refinished blue finish with thinning to gray on the balance. The buttplate is mostly a smooth brown-gray patina. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. There is some light pitting, heavier on the buttplate. The lightly sanded, re-oiled wood is fine with a few age lines along the grain and minimal handling marks. Mechanically functions fine, although lever drops when catch is disengaged.