Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this desirable lever-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt 1883 Burgess Rifle!
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The Colt 1883 Burgess was a short-lived rifle produced during intense competition between Colt and Winchester. Colt, known for its Single Action Army revolver, sought to challenge Winchester’s dominance in the rifle market. In response, Winchester developed revolvers that would compete with Colt's core products. This rivalry led to a gentleman’s agreement, where Winchester agreed to cease revolver development, avoiding direct competition with Colt's iconic line.
Produced between 1883 and 1885, only 6,403 Burgess Rifles were made, making them rare and highly coveted pieces among firearm collectors.
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
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.
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
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.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
