[QUOTE=Daryl Hallquist;317555]No, during the period of the Special Paragon the high grade guns were not marked as to grade. The Special Paragon had differences from the Paragon according to the catalogs and advertisements. The Special Paragon had a point pattern checkering, the single animal on the front end of the sideplate, the Baker name on the frame below the front end of the sideplate and a bit more engraving compared to Paragons of the same period. Wood on the Special Paragon was said to be an upgrade, but it is hard to distinguish wood quality between the grades. All , of course, were European walnut. Later, in the 700 or 800 serial number range, Baker again started marking the grade on the gun. Not sure why this change went either way.
Attached is a De Luxe quality gun, signed by Frank Mason.
Thanks, Daryl!
|