Baker Paragon

[Grantham Forester]

Looked at a Baker 12 gauge Paragon today- Double triggers and selective ejectors-- A few things I noted: It has a top cross bolt, like found on the Greener shotguns I have seen. It has functioning ejectors, but has a plain snap on forearm with no release mechanism, as found on my VHE 12 Parker- and although engraved on the lock plates, no markings at all on the Nitro steel barrels, and no tip insert at the front of the splinter forearm. When did Baker go out of business?

[Jawjadawg]

Daryl Hallequist on the Doublegunshop.com forum knows a lot about Baker shotguns. He's written a few articles about them. If you post a Baker question there, he will likely respond within a day. Might even be a member of this forum. Dunno. Of course, there are also some knowledgeable people to be found here.

[Drew Hause]

Lots of infro here, and pics of some beautiful Paragons.

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17434920

The crossbolt was introduced about 1915. Baker Gun & Forging sold their gun business to H.& D. Folsom in 1919, and it was renamed Baker Gun Co. VERY few Paragons were made after that.

Also check www.bakercollectors.com which Daryl runs

[Researcher]

Here is the Paragon from a circa 1915 Baker catalogue --