S GRADE
fluid tempered steel, plain line and scroll engraving.
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- THE 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 shotguns sold in substantial quantities (approx. 190,000) and they attracted a strong and devoted following.
The Baker sidelock shotgun is considered to be one of America's classic shotguns - like the L.C. Smith, Parker, Lefever, Fox, and Ithaca. Collector interest in these high quality shotguns remains high.
The popular Baker Paragon grade hammerless shotguns were made to customer order, and the company went to great lengths to accommodate the customer's requests for configuration, finish and engraving. Therefore, few guns are exactly alike. Paragon guns with Damascus barrels with 80% or better original finish without pitting, reboring or polishing out are of equal or greater value as shotguns with Krupp steel barrels.
All 'Baker Grade' guns were available with the extra draw lug and firing pin block safeties. However, the 'Batavia Grade' guns did not have these features.
The Blue Book of Gun 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 to be one of America's classic shotguns - like the L.C. Smith, Parker, Lefever, Fox, and Ithaca. Collector interest in these high quality shotguns remains high.
The popular Baker Paragon grade hammerless shotguns were made to customer order, and the company went to great lengths to accommodate the customer's requests for configuration, finish and engraving. Therefore, few guns are exactly alike. Paragon guns with Damascus barrels with 80% or better original finish without pitting, reboring or polishing out are of equal or greater value as shotguns with Krupp steel barrels.
All 'Baker Grade' guns were available with the extra draw lug and firing pin block safeties. However, the 'Batavia Grade' guns did not have these features.
The Blue Book of Gun Values strongly recommends an expert examination and appraisal when contemplating the purchase of a high-grade Baker in 80% or better original condition.
Previous trademark used by W.H. Baker & Co. and L.C. Smith Maker in Syracuse, NY on shotguns manufactured 1877-1888. See L.C. Smith section for listings of the Baker patented three-barrel and two-barrel guns.
BAKER GUN & FORGING CO. Firearms Models
STERLING GRADE
line border and scroll engraving, semi-fancy wood, neatly checkered.
BATAVIA LEADER
London twist, later guns had special steel barrels, plain wood and finish.
MODEL "D" 1897
sidelock twist bar London action, extra draw lug.
R GRADE
three rod Damascus or Krupp steel barrels, dog and bird on locks with line and some scroll engraving, better wood and finish.
ELITE GRADE
elaborate scroll engraving, fancy wood and checkering.
BATAVIA SPECIAL
similar to Leader model, homo-tensile steel.
NEW BAKER 1887-1896
boxlock twist London action.
BLACK BEAUTY
similar to Batavia Special model, cockerill steel, black oxide metal finish.
B GRADE
London twist, good line and scroll engraving with dog or bird on locks, better wood and finish than Leader model.
SUPERBA GRADE
ornate scroll and game scene engraving, finest wood and checkering.
BLACK BEAUTY SPECIAL
special steel, line engraving, upgraded wood, checkering and finish.
A GRADE
three rod Damascus or Krupp steel barrels, same engraving as B Grade, better wood 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
Sir Joseph Whitworth fluid compressed steel barrels, highest quality full coverage scroll and game scene engraving, checkering, wood, and finish. Rare in any condition.