Baker Gun and Forge Batavia NY 12 Gauge R Grade Damascus

[jolly bill]

Rather than creating a new thread with pictures, if any of you might enjoy hearing of my recent acquisition of a dandy Baker double, and the story that goes with it, I posted a thread on this subject on the PGCA Forum here: https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40571

Here's what she looks like . . . .

[44whiskey]

what a beauty thanks for posting

[ROMAC]

That's a dandy one Bill.

I've had a few Bakers over the years but they have all gone down the road of commerce, none of which were as nice as this example.

Great acquisition!

[Researcher]

Very nice Bill. Thanks for sharing.

The first listing for the R-Grade I find in my Baker Gun & Forging Co. paper is in the February 1906 issue of The Baker Gunner. As introduced the R-Grade had a patch of bold scroll on the lockplates.

Edited -- By the February 1907, The Baker Gunner, they were showing the engraving style of Jolly's new toy --

and from The Baker Gunner, 1909, No. 4 --

[44whiskey]

Dave, seems strange engraving more extensive, damascus barrels offered as well as fluid steel,yet price is lower in later offering. was this seen in other american makers at the time? again,thanks for sharing the knowledge. fred

[Researcher]

Might be some of the effects of the crash of 1907. Remington Arms Co. actually raised the catalog prices on some of their double gun grades for 1909. A. H. Fox Gun Co. actual net selling prices remained the same from 1905 to 1915, though the price of ejectors dropped with the introduction of the 1911 ejectors.

[Researcher]

I think there is a good chance those prices shown in The Baker Gunner and Baker Gun & Forging Co. catalogs were "List Prices." I checked some of my big dealer catalogs from the period and the actual "Net Selling Price" of the Baker R-Grade was $40. I also noticed that many of the big dealers listed numerous grades of Parker Bros., Remington, L.C. Smith, Lefever and Ithaca doubles in their catalogs, but the only thing from BG&FCo. listed was the Batavia Leader or after 1915 the Black Beauty.

Also, in looking through my accumulated Baker info I find Jolly's new toy is the first Damascus barrel R-Grade to cross my field of vision.

[Jeff S]

Beautiful pictures Bill.

[Foxnut]

Beautiful Baker Jolly Bill! Very nice condition!

[loggy]

Jolly,
Thanks for sharing the gun and the story. A beautiful gun that I am sure your son will enjoy.
John

[Woody]

Nice gun Bill. I would like to see that one sometime.