Baker Gun and Forge Batavia NY 12 Gauge R Grade Damascus
 

Thought you might enjoy seeing my recent acquisition and hearing the story that goes with it.

It is a very nice clean and original 12 gauge Baker Gun and Forge R Grade with 30” Full and Mod Damascus barrels. Gun was made around 1910 in Batavia NY.

I was looking to acquire a nice representative Baker from Batavia. Have seen many nice ones over the years but never pulled the trigger to get a nice one til now.

I got this gun from Darly Hallquist, long time Baker enthusiast from Montana who helped me in the process. Daryl had several nice selections but this R grade was the one.

Especially when Daryl told me it was once owned by my old good friend here in upstate NY, Jim Howland. Jim pretty much consigned all his guns and catalogs to Greg Martin Auctions back in 2007 before he died. Jim was part of the local double gun fan club back then and many years earlier including: Dan Teall, Fred Kubissa and Jerry Bowe who have all passed away.

Myself and current PGCA member Craig Budgeon are what’s left of the old gang. The Batzold brothers, John and Al are still here too.

This Baker will eventually be going to my younger son, Matt Jolliff who lives with his wife Jessica and son Oliver in Batavia. Matt has a keen interest in all things Genesee County and especially Batavia. He has a Wiard plow in his front yard that was made by the Wiard Plow Company there in Batavia at about the same time as this Baker.

Good on you, Bill, that is a beauty. I adore the patina.

What a great thing, to be able to have such a nice gun built just down the road aways! Lucky Matt.

Bill, what a great gun and story. Thanks for posting.

Nice pick-up Bill, and great story. Your son Matt is one lucky guy. I always liked Bakers, I think their engravers were top notch and IMHO the dogs are among the most realistic in the vintage gun era.

Very nice gun Bill - thanks for sharing! BTW, I had some brief but rewarding dealings with the Batzold brothers years ago at the Albany gun show. They made the trip up worthwhile.

In case someone is unaware of Daryl's website
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...aP35Y6PMk/edit

Very nice Bill ! Don’t think I’ve ever owned a Baker . But s match to yours in 10 gauge might tickle my fancy .

I’m curious , was the largest Baker a 10 gauge or did they make a couple 8’s as well ? I’d be intrested to see a Baker drilling in 10-10 / 45-70 as well.

Super nice shotgun!

Craig,

Baker did make a 10 gauge. I don't think they ever made an 8 gauge.

Wouldn't that be neat?