House of Browning

1837-1908

Andrew Burgess was born in New York and neighbor to famed Civil-War photographer Matthew Brady. Burgess would apprentice to Brady as a photographer following the American Civil-War and had a successful career himself.

While still an active photographer Burgess began designing firearms. Upon returning from documenting the Franco-Prussian War, he received his first firearm patent in 1871. Burgess would continue with firearms design, selling patent rights to firms such as Colt, Whitney, and Marlin.

In 1892 the Burgess Gun Company was established and successfully produced repeating shotguns and rifles until bought out by Winchester in 1899. Winchester, as typical, closed the company and shelved it’s patents in favor of their own designs.

Andrew Burgess continued to design and patent firearm improvements until shortly before his death in 1908.

It is interesting to note that patents granted to Andrew Burgess varied in regard to his address. He is know to have lived in Owego, NY and many patents ascribe that as his address. However, patents are also issued under addresses in Hartford, CT and New York, NY.

After 1873 he primarily acted as his own attorney when filing patents. Andrew Burgess received 85 U.S. patents, several of which were later reissued, though he is often wrongly credited with many more.

U.S. Patents: