Baker Paragon

[Researcher]

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

2266 F 01 Paragon Ejector 20-auge.jpg

2266 F 02.jpg

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

201126F 01 16-gauge, 28-inch, Paragon Ejector.jpg

201126F 07.jpg

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 --

201116 01 Paragon Ejector.jpg

[Daryl Hallquist]

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.

[Researcher]

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.

[Daryl Hallquist]

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.