Baker Double Barrel Shotgun Serial Numbers
Double Barrel Shotgun With Hammers
I'm looking for any info I could get on a Baker Damascus Double Barrel w/ Serial #8XX. The gentleman I acquired it from had a paper in case stating it was a 'Baker Gold Medallion' but I haven't been able to find any info by doing searches. I'm an extreme newbie when it comes to knowledge but the shotgun looks to me to be in really nice condition with no scratches or dings on the stock, forearm or metal. The engravings are strong and don't show any wear. I would really appreciate any info/opinions people can offer. My reference 'The Breech Loading Shotgun In America, 1860 to 1940' list three makers named Baker, two American and one English. Of course an English made gun will have English proof marks on the bottom of the barrels.
The makers are: W.H. Baker & Co who was located at 20 Walton Street Syracuse,NY from 1878 to 1880; Baker Gun & Forging Company who operated as Syracuse Forging & Gun Co from 1878 to 1890 and Baker Gun & Forging from 1890 to 1919. The English maker was named Fredrick Thomas Baker was located at various addresses in London England from 1858 to 1898 and later. In the reference, there is a section marked OBSERVED SPECIMENS OF BAKER SHOTGUNS and couple have the markings BAKER GUN CO but on the frame only, There is mention of a model number (MODEL 1897) and the serial number marked on the trigger guard on one hammer double.