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Rare Experimental Burgess Model 1872 lever action repeating carbine, .44 cal., 22-1/2” round barrel,

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Rare Experimental Burgess Model 1872 lever action repeating carbine, .44 cal., 22-1/2” round barrel,
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Rare Experimental Burgess Model 1872 lever action repeating carbine, .44 cal., 22-1/2” round barrel, blue and nickel finish, wood stocks, #36 in overall very good condition showing traces of original blue in protected areas of barrel with balance gone to a grey/brown patina and approx. 15% original nickel on receiver and crescent butt plate with balance of those surfaces gone to a dark patina; crisp action, overall very good bore, three stage flip-up rear sight; markings on right side of receiver : “Burgess Pat. July 16 1872 & Jan. 7 1873”; wood stocks are overall very good with some old scattered mars and scratches from carry and storage; several old repairs at the wrist area that are well-done. Andrew Burgess initially was a photographer during the American Civil war and partner with Mathew Brady. He was responsible for many of the most famous photographs of that time produced under the Brady name including the likeness of Lincoln that is on the current $5 bill. He traveled to Mexico to photograph unrest there and after the war, he traveled in Europe extensively during the Franco-Prussian war, touring many armories having developed an interest in weaponry after experiencing three separate wars and seeing the variations in firepower utilized by opposing forces. In total, Burgess was granted 599 patents for lever, pump and bolt action magazine arms and no less than 295 patents for recoil and gas operated arms. This Model 1872 was the beginning in a long line of Burgess-associated guns such as the Whitney-Burgess, Colt-Burgess, the Burgess Folding Shotgun, the Marlin Model 1881 and others; an important gun in the evolution of the lever action rifle by an inventive genius; so important that Winchester found it necessary to buy out Burgess’ patents to protect the sales of their Model 1873 (claims were already being made at the time that the Burgess Model 1872 action was far superior with twice the over-all locking strength, a stronger design, a more sturdy bolt and a stronger bolt lock). With copies of several articles on Burgess and copy of patent paper on this Model. Est.: $6,000-$12,000.