doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com T Baker Nickel mounted 10 gauge? Percussion

I have this old monster that I recently picked up. I don't know exactly what gauge/bore it is, possibly an 8 or 10. The barrels are just over 41 inches long to the breech plugs, it is a hook breech. The only markings are T or D Baker on the locks, London on the barrel, London or Birmingham proofs on the underside. Crown and scepters over V and crown and crossed scepters with the usual letters around them. Butt plate, trigger guard and remaining furniture are of cast nickel and engraved, trigger bow has a running dog on it. It also has two barrel keys. I have never noticed this feature before on any other guns.
Sadly, some moron, stamped spurious Wells Fargo markings in it (A real problem here in Montana, they think it makes any shotgun more valuable).
I was wondering if anyone knows this maker well or any of their history? I will try to post pictures but have not been able to figure it out.

I'd like to see this gun so I'll help you out. Click on the link http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=148935#Post148935
I hope that helps.
Steve

[img:center] DSCN1449 by vytautus, on Flickr[/img]

[img:center] DSCN1447 by vytautus, on Flickr[/img]

Nice looking old gun, it could clean up to look pretty sharp. If you're going to shoot it be sure to actually measure the bores. I had a muzzle loader that was stamped 9 gauge on one barrel and 10 gauge on the other. However, they'd both been honed so that when I measured the bores they were 8.5/9. I planned to shoot it with 12 gauge 3 dram BP/1-1/8 ounce shot loads. Before I took it afield I "safety tested" it with 6 dram BP/1-1/8 ounce shot loads, such as you might inadvertantly load into it in the field. It held up fine and I had fun with it, shooting pen-raised poultry at the nearby game preserve.
Steve

It is not the highest quality gun ever made. I just thought all the nickle was interesting. The bad is, I need to do some tumbler work on one lock and it is missing the nickle ramrod loops. I bought it as a project and I am happy with it. I just wish people with letter and number stamps could leave things alone. Once I get it cleaned up a bit I will put up some better pictures. The barrels have a very nice twist pattern but are very dark with patina. I will probably card them some; the originality is already quite compromised with the stamps.

Dixie gun works used to sell German Silver ramrod thimbles.
bill