*SOLD* Colt 1883 Burgess Rifle .44-40 Blue 25 1/2" *RARE AND HIGHLY COVETED RIFLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The 1883 Colt Burgess lever-action rifle, produced from 1883 to 1885, represents Colt's only foray into the lever-action rifle market, a market largely dominated by Winchester Repeating Arms Company at the time. With only 6,403 units produced before manufacturing ceased in early 1885, just 21 months after its introduction, the Burgess rifle is considered one of the rarest Colt firearms today, significantly enhancing its appeal among collectors. The rifle is named after its inventor, Andrew Burgess, a notable Civil War photographer, fire alarm designer, and firearms inventor who held nearly 600 patents in various fields. Although the Burgess rifle was designed to compete with Winchester’s successful Model 1873, it never achieved the same level of popularity, and Colt ceased production due to its inability to challenge Winchester’s dominance in the market. 
 
Among the 6,403 Burgess rifles produced, only three engraved versions were made. One of these (serial number 285) was presented to the famous showman and frontiersman William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The rifle features an engraving depicting Cody shooting a buffalo from horseback with a Colt Burgess rifle, a powerful symbol of the American West and further enhancing the rifle's historical significance. Cody’s ownership of one of these rifles adds a layer of romantic legend to its legacy, connecting it to the larger-than-life figures of the frontier era. In terms of design, the Burgess rifle was handsomely crafted with a smooth, reliable lever-action system, making it functional for both collectors and enthusiasts of historic firearms. The Colt-Burgess rifle was produced during a time of fierce competition between the major firearms manufacturers of the period. Colt, primarily known for its iconic revolvers like the Single Action Army, sought to expand into the rifle market to rival Winchester’s dominance. 
 
This rivalry extended beyond rifles. In response to Colt’s incursion into the lever-action market, Winchester developed a series of revolver designs, which would have directly competed with Colt’s core product line. This escalating competition eventually led to a gentleman’s agreement between the two companies, in which Winchester agreed to forgo further development of revolvers, thereby avoiding direct competition with Colt’s renowned revolver line. This understanding marked a rare moment of cooperation in an otherwise fiercely competitive industry.
 
Specifications:
  • Manufacturer: Colt
  • Model: 1883 Burgess Rifle
  • Serial: 3344
  • Date of Manufacture: 1883-1885
  • Caliber: .44-40
  • Finish: Blue
  • Barrel Length: 25 1/2" Octagon Barrel
  • Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable U-Notch Rear
  • Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Buttstock and Forearm
  • Action: Lever-Action 
  • Markings: Standard
Mar 27th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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