This model is famous as Colt's only attempt to compete head to head with Winchester in the lever action rifle market, but that competition was quickly cut short after less then two years of production, reportedly due to an agreement between Colt and Winchester to stay out of each other's respective markets. Colt may have also simply decided to focus their attention on their distinctive Lightning rifles. Regardless of the reasons, the Burgess was arguably superior to the contemporary Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles; the action was shorter and more refined than the comparable Model 1873. A total of just 3,775 rifles were manufactured in 1883-1885, 2,556 with octagon barrels and 1,219 with round barrels. These arms are generally encountered with an all blue finish but occasionally are found with a browned barrel and magazine tube like this high condition example. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line Colt Hartford address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The left side of the blued receiver is a stamped Rampant Colt trademark. "BURGESS'S PATENT" is stamped on the lever. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Comes with a four piece cleaning rod.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 95% of the highly attractive original brown finish. The receiver retains 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 75% bright original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. Half of the original blue remains on the forend cap, otherwise a smooth brown patina. 85% of original case colors remain on the buttplate. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is excellent showing very minimal minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is undoubtedly the finest standard Colt Burgess we have ever offered at auction!