Looking through my files I found a 20-gauge H & D Folsom Paragon with a four-digit serial number --

Attachment 134777

Attachment 134778

Here is a 16-gauge in the 201xxx range --

Attachment 134779

Attachment 134780

Here is one of the three I've saved pictures of without an F that I figured were from the Baker Gun & Forging Co. in Batavia, NY --

Attachment 134781

I guess we will never know what unfinished gun, and in what state of finish, went from Baker Gun and Forging Co. to Folsom in 1919. It seems that there were several single traps from Baker Gun and Forging that were finished up, or at least advertised for sale, until around 1923. I have one trap gun in the late 51,000 range that is engraved as an Elite model, but has no company name anywhere.

The more I look through pictures I've saved the more confusing it becomes. I've found a Black Beauty, a Paragon Ejector and an Elite SBT all with 48xxx serial numbers.

Researcher, yes, the serial numbers from around 1913-1919 are confusing. The 48,000 range can include anything from Batavia Leaders, Black Beautys, Black Beauty Specials, Paragons, Single traps, and De Luxes. I have never seen an Expert Grade, except in the 1100 range. Early on, Baker serial numbered their various grades into blocks of numbers. After 1913 they seemingly abandoned that practice and used a mix of numbers to include all models.

Would those of you knowledgable in these shotguns consider the later Folsom 200000F SN range Paragons to be the same quality as the earlier Baker production pieces? I have read a number of posts commenting that quality seemed to be lower once Baker was sold to Folsom; did that translate to the higher grade guns as well?

Ed

In general, the Baker Gun and Forging Co. Paragons exhibited better fit and finish than the Folsom Paragons .

Thanks. I have run across a very nice Baker gun Co Paragon with serial number in the 20000F range, so definitely a Folsom. Asking is $4000 CAD which is about $2900-$3000 USD, although that might be negotiable since it has been sitting for a while. I will have an opportunity to look at it in person next month if it is still available, but haven't seen an earlier Baker Paragon with which to compare it.

Ed

You can see examples of other Paragons in this website.

https://www.bakercollectors.com/