The Model 1897 was brought out in that year and the Company claimed it was made to use smokeless powders. I have never seen the Model 1897 , either in person or in ads, offered in other than the standard Damascus or Twist grades. Likewise , I know of no Model 1897s with fluid steel barrels. No factory records are known to exist, so dates of manufacture are speculative. Off the top of my head , I think the Model 1897 was serial numbered from 27,000-37,000. It is hard to pinpoint, but I think the Model 1897 went out of production between 1912-1914. One must remember that Baker Gun and Forging Co. often had nearly a year's supply of finished, non custom, guns on hand , before distributing same to Jobbers and Retailers, meanwhile making more. Thus, the guns could be sold a year or more after manufacturing.
Last edited by Daryl Hallquist; 05/10/18 11:29 AM.
