September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Cal.44RF. Round 22-7/8" barrel, full magazine, with two barrel bands, integral front sight and three leaf folding L-shaped carbine rear sight graduated for 100, 300 and 700 yards. Right side receiver is marked “BURGESS PAT.” without dates above the elongated loading gate. The number 1 is stamped on the barrel under the forend as well as on the lever. There are no other visible markings or serial numbers observed inside or out. The elongated loading gate has a retractable cover. The mortised top cover is rectangular in shape and is directly connected to the lever, functioning in either direction. Mounted with straight grained un-checkered walnut, straight grip and crescent buttplate without trap. A photograph of the exact type of carbine is pictured on page 6 of the "Colt-Burgess Magazine Rifle" by Samuel L. Maxwell, Sr. published in 1985. The 1872 Burgess Carbine is one of the most appealing and rarest lever action magazine rifle in existence and the prototype of several generations of Burgess patented lever action magazine firearms that followed”. The 1872 Burgess Carbine is also the subject of the Sept. 1963 Gun Report article by Bish. This is likely an early Oswego, NY 1872 prototype suitable for the advanced collector. Condition is all original as manufactured, no alterations or changes. All metal surfaces are a soft pleasing gun metal grey patina and mixed with some light brown patina and aged freckling. The front site is set into the front barrel band much like the Winchester 1873 First Model Carbine. The walnut stocks are excellent, butt stock has no cracks or chips but there is a professional repair at the frame that is literally not visible any longer. There is a small closed crack on left forearm running from barrel band to end. Beautifully fitted walnut stocks display nearly all of the original finish with some raised grain, albeit a bit shy at toe. The bore is near mint with sharp strong rifling. It seems to be in fine working order. This is a very clean all original and exceedingly rare lever action carbine. Total production is unknown but fewer than six examples exist in any condition. This carbine is so rare that it is recognized by few people and it would be a gem in any Colt, Burgess or lever action collection and one you will probably never see again.