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Joined: Jul 2011
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Gunwolf Offline OP
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Well, today I visited a small german gunmaker and trader who mentioned that he has some british doubles, one of them he never has seen before. Of course I'm curious and asked him to show me the guns. One is a 12 Gauge Frederic T. Baker back action sidelock in nearly mint condition. Surely one of the lightest 12 G I ever handled (see picture of the watertable, better waterhole…)
Any informations on this gun are welcome. The others are a fine pair of Westley Richards Boxlock ejector in their leather case and another WR Sidelock also in her case. All guns very, very good condition. They belong to a gentleman who got ill with Alzheimer and now his wife and her advocates, give the guns to the dealer because of german laws. (she is not allowed to own them) Now they probably will go to Holts auctioneers (german represantant) A sad story but beautiful guns.

Gunwolf



















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Wonderful gun and nice pictures. Thank you

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Gunwolf Offline OP
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Thanks Daryl, do you have any idea what the price range is?

I'm sure, it's more then my budget… ;-)

Gunwolf

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Gunwolf, I think one can go back into the archives of Holt, and a few others for prices. Bakers come in various configurations and actions. The uncommon thing in my eyes was a highest grade gun in fine condition. These actions show up on guns from several makers, so the Baker is not unique in that way.

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Gunwolf Offline OP
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Thanks! Yes, I've seen similiar locks on Charles Lancaster Doubles. I will have a look at the auction results. Any idea of the date of make?

Kind Regards,
Wolfgang

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The only thing I find for F.T. Baker in Boothroyd is that "Young Churchill then sought fame and fortune in the big city, working first for F.T. Baker in Fleet Street before he set up on his own at 8, Agar Street, Strand in 1891."

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As to manufacturing date, page 48 of Nigel Brown's Vol 3 has a list. I did not see the serial no. in the pictures. Some, I think, had the date in Roman Numerals on the trigger guard.

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My F.T. Baker has the manufacturing date engraved in a ribbon on the sides of its Anson and Deeley action in Roman Numeral scrip; and the only time I've had the opportunituy to use what I was taught in grade school regarding Roman Numerals was ehen I deciphered the date on this gun, 1883. It's a beautifully engraved (100% fine scroll) light weith straight grip 12-bore with a forend release as depicted on the abovbe example. Although I've bagged more game with this double than any other I've ever owned (was the only double I owned for several years during my hunting prime); the safety on this piece also cost me lots of chances. It has a sliding safety on the left-side cheek face, which is not a bad location at all; but to take the gun "off safe" requires the slide be pulled (not pushed) back towards the shooter, a totally un-natural reaction for me when jump shooting game. Have no idea why the safety device on this gun was designed in that manner; and I've not seen another.

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Needham patent action. First patented ejector system. (I'll fine-tune that when I can get to my books). Joseph Needham, I believe.

Last edited by Lloyd3; 02/14/14 06:46 PM.
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Gunwolf Offline OP
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I found this about The maker:

Baker Frederick Thomas Baker. The son of Thomas Kerslake »Baker, this gunmaker continued to make sporting guns and rifles from premises at 88 Fleet Street, London, England, from 1858 until 1900 or later. London directories list additional premises at 21 Cockspur Street, S.W. (1882–98), and 29 Glasshouse Street (1899 and later). The name has also been reported on »Eley made shotgun ammunition marked “Baker’s Best”. Trading may also have been undertaken in Birmingham.

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Guns & Gunmakers

That means The Gun was built before 1898.
Gunwolf

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