Baker Batavia Leader

Mark Brady · 11-25-2012, 03:45 PM

I'm looking for a forend both wood and iron for a decent condition Baker Batavia Leader damascus barreled gun. The gun is to nice to break down for parts and I haven't had one of these come into my shop for repair in years anyway. Serial #84803 if that helps. Thanks in advance for any help on my quest.

PS A top snap spring is also needed.

Rodney Short · 11-25-2012, 04:14 PM

go online and check out gunderson militaria, he has guns, and maybe parts, i know he has several batavia leaders on his sight

Mark Brady · 11-25-2012, 05:06 PM

Thanks; I'll do that.

B. Dudley · 11-25-2012, 06:19 PM

Is your top lever spring missing/broken, or is it just messed up on the end?

Mark Brady · 11-26-2012, 07:47 AM

It's broken

B. Dudley · 11-26-2012, 08:20 AM

Ok. I have fixed them up if just bent by turning them around. It is just a coil spring. Pm me with the diameter and the length. I might have one that will work.

Mark Brady · 11-26-2012, 08:51 AM

Thanks for the reply. It's been a while since I've had the gun apart and right now I'm busy with customers guns. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Mark

Steve McCarty · 11-27-2012, 02:51 PM

A local pawn shop has two of the Batavia Bakers for sale. Not in very good condition, brown wood and barrels. I didn't know they are Bakers. Can't recall the price, but not too expensive. One locks up nice. I'm sure they'd clean up okay.

Are these guns worth my while? I've heard of Bakers, of course. They look kind of Lefeverish to me, similar looking lugs on the underside of the action. Long and slender
19th century drop.

Jack Kuzepski · 11-27-2012, 03:46 PM

Steve,

Bakers are a pretty nice gun. No they don't have the following of Parker, Lefever, Smith, etc.. but still a decent gun. You can find out more of their history and grades at www.bakercollectors.com. The website is hosted by Dr. Bob a direct decendant of Dan Lefever. Depending on how much they are asking, the one that locks up nice would be the one to pick up as they aren't as adjustable as Lefevers.
I picked up an early B grade Baker last year in nice shape for not much, turns out it is serial #3.

Jack Kuzepski

Mark Brady · 11-27-2012, 04:28 PM

I own several Bakers, Various models and grades, including one of the "trigger opening" guns. W.H. Baker partnered with L.C. Smith and later opened a shop in Ithaca N.Y. which became the Ithaca Gun Co. The first gun Ithaca produced was "The Baker Model. The Bakers are as under rated as the Remington doubles.