doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Baker 1897

Good afternoon. Would someone who really knows Bakers be kind enough to go over the highlights of a Baker 1897 hammergun? What years were they made, grades, weaknesses, etc.?

Thanks!

Start here
http://www.bakercollectors.com/

Yes Sir, did so, and it offers great images and corporate information. I�m hoping to learn more about them from folks with firsthand experience.

I really like my Bakers, but they are all hammerless.

Is yours a Baker Gun & Forging Co. Batavia, NY 1890-1919


I feel sure Daryl Hallquist will be along soon.

Mike

Thanks Mike. Also giving an A grade hammerless a try, along with the 1897. Daryl confirmed that the A is just that. Did not discuss the 1897 with him.

Great
My EARLY Baker B

I once passed up what was a good deal on most likely a Baker B at a gunshow. I did not know much at all about Baker's at the time. I saw extensive engraving coverage, though that one was all scroll, no game or dog scenes, & the twist barrels. I did not per-se have anything against the twist barrels but thought it was likely a mis-matched gun as I was just not used to seeing this combo of twist barrels except on primarily un-engraved guns. Live & Learn.

Bill, I agree, Daryl is the person you need to get with.

Some of his info is here at DocDrew's site:
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17434920

I have at least one model 1897, and some information saved on my PC. Also 8-10 boxlock and sidelock variants. Anything specific you are wanting to know?

John

Hi John. Thank you.

Are there records to pinpoint year of manufacturing, or what years in general were the 1897's made?

Were they produced in grades, and if so, what would distinguish the grade? This one is a 30" 12ga, full/full, Princes of Wales, damascus. It seems to have rebounding hammers.

The A grade was confirmed as such by Daryl with a picture of the engraving and it's damascus barrels. I think it's a 28". I saw it at the Southern, but did not buy it there. A lot heavier gun than it looked like it would be.

I'll be looking for the DGJ issues with the Baker articles, which I think are 1992 #3 and #4, 1998 #2, and 2003 #4. I don't think I've got those.

Bill,

The first picture on the picturetrail site is a Serial No. Estimate/ yr of mfg chart. This is an old sheet and some things have changed. I will look at my files when I get back to the house and let you know if I have any pertinent info on grades. Baker engraving varies gun to gun so it can be tough to identify using it. Barrel type divides the models. Guns mfg'd 1915-19 can be almost any configuration of parts and mechanisms.

Daryl will still be the "be all end all" contact.

John