The Burgundy apple (N.Y. 161) originated from a cross made by R. C. Lamb in 1953, Monroex N.Y. 18491 (Macoun x Antonovka). A population of 357 seedlings from the cross was field planted in May 1955. As the seedlings came into fruiting several years later, their fruiting performance was evaluated. This particular seedling ripened its first fruits on September 10, 1960 and was selected by R. D. Way in 1961. Nineteen other superior selections were also chosen from this same population. This is a much higher proportion of good clones selected from a progeny than is usually chosen, indicating that this was an especially good parental combination.