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 factory letter indicates this rifle was in a shipment of ten guns of this type sent to Hartley & Graham in New York on December 31, 1883, in the current barrel length and caliber and with "wood" stocks. It has a deluxe style checkered fancy grade walnut stock and forearm. These may have been upgraded by/for Hartley & Graham and certainly appear to be from the original period of use. It also features a nickel-silver "knife blade" front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, the two-line address and patent marking on top of the barrel, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the frame, and an empty stock compartment.

Very good with the original finish mostly aged to a smooth brown patina throughout, patches of bright original blue finish in the protected areas, some minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The wood is very good and has attractive grain/figure, mild wear in the otherwise crisp checkering, light scratches and pressure marks, some tiny flakes at the corners, a tiny crack at the toe, and mild handling wear. Mechanically excellent.