The Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were only available from 1883 to around 1885, and only 6,403 were manufactured. It has long been rumored that Colt and Winchester came to an agreement that Colt 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. Keep in mind that the improved Model 1886 and 1892 lever actions based on John Brownings designs had not yet been introduced by Winchester. The factory letter lists this carbine in .44-40 with a 20 inch barrel, blue finish, and wood stock when shipped to Wexell & DeGress in New York City on November 21, 1883, in a shipment of 20 guns of this type. It has a block style blade front sight, notch and folding ladder rear sight, the two-line address and patent marking ahead of the rear sight, 2016 London proofs on the right, the Rampant Colt trademark and a saddle ring on the left side of the frame, smooth stock and forearm, and a trapdoor compartment in the buttplate holding a three-piece cleaning rod.

Very fine as New York retailer plated with 80% of the nickel plating remaining, some minor oxidation/pitting, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, general minor scratches and marks, and minor overall wear. The wood is also very good and has some minor edge wear, light scratches and dings, and a slight crack at rear of the forearm on the right. Mechanically excellent.