December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1193:
(A) BURGESS "FOLDING GUN" SLIDE ACTION SHOTGUN.
Perhaps the first purpose built "tactical" shotgun, this ingenious folding shotgun could be worn loaded in a belt holster under a jacket and whipped out, snapping the action shut into its ready to fire position. A surprise demonstration like this to Theodore Roosevelt, then President of the New York City Police Board, prompted him to order 100 of the guns for use in New York's prison system. They were produced circa 1894 to 1899 by the Burgess Gun Co., likely only a few thousand made. This example has a blued barrel with pinned half moon front sight. Multipoint pattern checkered walnut forend. Checkered walnut grip mounted slide. The walnut stock is correctly notched so the gun can completely fold and is mounted with a Burgess Gun Co. dog logo checkered gutta percha butt plate. CONDITION: Very Good. Essentially gray patina throughout with original blue in some of the protected areas. Receiver has some older cleaned spotting. Stocks appear lightly cleaned, the checkering worn. Bore has some orange peeling. Fine mechanics. A very interesting 19th century shotgun.
Manufacturer
Burgess Gun Co.