S GRADE
fluid tempered steel, plain line and scroll engraving.
BAKER GUN & FORGING CO.
This section covers the popular hammer and hammerless guns manufactured 1887-1919 by the Baker Gun & Forging Company, (founded by William H. & Ellis L. Baker) in Syracuse and Batavia, NY and the H&D Folsom Arms Co. 1920-1930 in Norwich, CT. These guns sold in substantial quantities (approx. 190,000) and they attracted a strong and devoted following.
The Baker sidelock shotgun is considered an "American Best" and is recognized as one of America's Classic shotguns manufactured during that era, like the L.C. Smith, Parker, LeFever, Fox, and Ithaca. Collector interest in these high quality sidelock shotguns remains high.
The very popular Baker Paragon grade hammerless shotguns were made to customer order and the company went to great lengths to accommodate the customer's taste in engraving, finish, and specifications. Therefore, no two guns are exactly alike. Paragon guns with Damascus barrels with 80% or better original finish without pitting, reboring, or polishing out are of almost equal value with shotguns with Krupp steel barrels.
All "Baker Grade" guns were available with the Extra Draw Lug and Baker's famous Firing Pin Block Safeties. However, the "Batavia Grade" guns did not have these features.
The Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values strongly recommends an expert examination and appraisal when contemplating the purchase of a high grade Baker in 80% or better original condition.
The Baker sidelock shotgun is considered an "American Best" and is recognized as one of America's Classic shotguns manufactured during that era, like the L.C. Smith, Parker, LeFever, Fox, and Ithaca. Collector interest in these high quality sidelock shotguns remains high.
The very popular Baker Paragon grade hammerless shotguns were made to customer order and the company went to great lengths to accommodate the customer's taste in engraving, finish, and specifications. Therefore, no two guns are exactly alike. Paragon guns with Damascus barrels with 80% or better original finish without pitting, reboring, or polishing out are of almost equal value with shotguns with Krupp steel barrels.
All "Baker Grade" guns were available with the Extra Draw Lug and Baker's famous Firing Pin Block Safeties. However, the "Batavia Grade" guns did not have these features.
The Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values strongly recommends an expert examination and appraisal when contemplating the purchase of a high grade Baker in 80% or better original condition.
Trademark used by W.H. Baker & Co. and L.C. Smith Maker in Syracuse, NY on shotguns manufactured 1877-1888. See L.C. Smith located in the S section for listings of the Baker patented three-barrel and two-barrel guns.
BAKER GUN & FORGING CO. Antiques Models
MODEL "D" 1897
sidelock twist bar London action, extra draw lug.
BATAVIA LEADER
London twist, later guns had special steel barrels, plain wood and finish.
R GRADE
three rod damascus or Krupp steel barrels, dog and bird on locks with line and some scroll engraving, better wood and finish.
NEW BAKER 1887-1896
boxlock twist London action.
BATAVIA SPECIAL
similar to Leader model, homo-tensile steel.
B GRADE
London twist, good line and scroll engraving with dog or bird on locks, better wood and finish than Leader model.
BLACK BEAUTY
similar to Batavia Special model, cockrill steel, black oxide metal finish.
A GRADE
three rod damascus or Krupp steel barrels, same engraving as B Grade, better wood and finish.
BLACK BEAUTY SPECIAL
special steel, line engraving, upgraded wood, checkering and finish.
PARAGON GRADE
very fine damascus or Krupp barrels, fine scroll and game scene engraving, best quality wood, checkering and finish. Special order only and made to customer specifications.
KRUPP GRADE (N)
Krupp barrels, finer scroll and game scene engraving, better wood, checkering, and finish. Most had straight stocks.
PIGEON GRADE (L)
Holland special steel barrels, elaborate scroll and game scene engraving, fancy wood, checkering, and finish.
EXPERT GRADE
Holland special steel barrels, ejectors standard, finest scroll and game scene engraving, fancy checkering, wood and finish.
DELUXE GRADE
rare in any condition. Sir Joseph Whitworth fluid compressed steel barrels, highest quality full coverage scroll and game scene engraving, checkering, wood, and finish.