doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Baker Paragon 16ga

I find this an interesting gun. I thought this was B grade level of engraving. But as you can see the frame is stamped Paragon. Thoughts?

Are the lock plates original to the gun? The patina looks different to me.

That's a Paragon that I would say was made shortly after the Folsom took over firearms production of the Baker and Batavia guns in 1919. I had a 12 ga Paragon that was SN 201040 although it had the typical F following the serial number that you see on most Folsom guns... Same game/dog scene design and level of engraving. Folsom purchased existing stock and so a number of the early Folsom guns were ones that were started by the Baker Gun & Forging Co and simply finished under the Folsom ownership. Would stand to reason your 16 ga is one of those.

Correct. With a crossbolt.
Most had a black oxide finish.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14R65OxKlpJ0CESLR7TiwmLuHF7u-47jkJ_x1Kt6_3Mc/edit?tab=t.0

Is there a BNP proof mark on the action flats?!?

The guns I've recorded in the 200xxx range are R-grades and in 201xxx range are Paragons with the Greener crossbolt. 201031 is a 12-gauge Paragon Ejector sold by Julias in the Fall 2012 auction. I've also recorded 201036 and 201116 without an F.

I've recorded 201055 F, 201085F, 201126 F a 16-gauge & 201171 F, all Paragon Ejectors. 201255 F is a Black Beauty Special. Just like Savage with their Ansley H. Fox guns, I'm sure that there was quite an overlap in serial numbers of frames that were finished as guns in Batavia and weren't finished until years later in Norwich.

The crossbolt style Paragon was shown in the last two Baker Gun & Forging Co. catalogs I have --





In addition to the guns in the 201xxx range I listed above, I've also recorded crossbolt Paragons with serial numbers in the 48xxx range.

There certainly appears to be, marked on both sides.

Best,
Ted

It is a Baker Paragon, with the mechanical design, receiver finish, and engraving common to the Folsom made Paragons. I think the lockplates have had the factory black finish polished off.

You can see more Baker information in the address below.

Yes the plates appear to have the bluing or black oxide removed, some traces still present.

Is this your gun? Are there Birmingham proof marks on the flats? If so, please post a full size in focus close up.
It would be an interesting story as to how the gun made it to England.