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LOT 21
Exceptional and Rare Burgess Gun Company “Folding Gun” Slide Action Shotgun with Waist Holster - Serial no. 3227, 12 gauge, 19 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This is an exceptional example of a rare Burgess “Folding Gun” slide action shotgun manufactured
by the Burgess Gun Co. of Buffalo, New York, circa 1892 to
1899. It is unknown what the total number manufactured was, but
it is estimated to be only a few thousand were made. This shotgun has the unique design
invented by American inventor Andrew Burgess who established himself in business in 1892 to manufacture this unusual repeating shotgun which has an iron sleeve over the stock wrist
that activates the bolt and breech mechanism when
slid backwards. Burgess was also noted for his lever
action rifles made by Colt and Whitney. This particular
“Folding Gun” has a 19 1/2 inch barrel and is hinged
on the underside of the receiver with a lift lever on top
which releases the barrel so that it can be folded in
half. A unique contemporary “quick draw” waist holster
accompanies the shotgun. The shotgun was advertised
as being especially adapted for police service, express
messengers, U.S. Marshals, prison and bank guards.
Most notably, a similar example was recovered at the
scene of Lawman Pat Garrett’s murder, reportedly
Garrett’s sidearm at the time. The underside of the
receiver is marked with the three-line patent and reissue
dates. The top is marked “BURGESS GUN COMPANY”
flanked by light scroll on the right side and “-> BUFFALO, N.Y. U.S.A.<-”
on the left side, and the matching serial number is stamped on the front
left edge of the receiver, on the underside of the receiver, and on two in two places on the rear of the barrel assembly. Blade front sight and there is a dished out area in the top of the barrel release lever that serves as the rear sight. All blue finish and mounted with a multi-point checkered walnut
forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber Burgess Gun Co.
Dog’s head logo buttplate. The choke gauges at modified and the length of pull
is 13 5/8 inches.
CONDITION: Extremely fine. The shotgun retains 85% plus bright original
high polish blue finish showing some edge wear and some areas thinned to a
smooth plum patina. The wood is very fine retaining almost all of the original
varnish and showing some scattered minor dings and scuffs. The checkering
remains crisp. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The
holster is very fine with minimal wear. This is an exceptional example of a rare
Burgess slide action “Folding Gun” shotgun used by many Old Western Lawmen.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000