New Baker Guns
In 1887 W H Baker left the Ithaca Gun Co. which he had started 4 years earlier to start his own venture. He joined up with his brother Dr. E L Baker who owned Syracuse Forgings. Gun parts were soon being produced, as well as complete units. The venture was successful, and the brand became known for quality and reliability. The factory in Syracuse burned in the summer of 1888, they moved to Batavia and in 1890 the company name was changed from Syracuse Forging to the Baker Gun and Forging Company. Above, the 1887 catalog cover. Below the 1888 catalog cover.
Of the competitors mentioned on the 1888 cover, I recognize only Colt. But I'm not a shotgun guy. Are they well known?
ReplyDeleteI hope a 10-gauge firing the (?) black-powder shells of the era wouldn't kick as hard as one might fear.
W. W. Greener and W&C Scott were respected English gun makers and the others were respected U.S.A. gun makers.
DeleteThe listed W. H. Baker 10ga. shotguns are heavy, and the old 10ga. shells were 2-7/8 inches long and usually only held 1-1/8 or 1-1/4 oz. of lead shot, about the same as a modern 12ga. 2-3/4 inch long shell, so theoretically the recoil should not be too bad (for a shotgun).
However, the buttstocks have a LOT of drop (curve or droop) by today's standards, so the gun is going to kick UP quite bit as well as back.
Jack from Illinois
Thankew, Jack. I am edified.
ReplyDeleteI made the post because I happened upon the two year catalog covers. I'm intrigued by how incestuous industries like gunmaking were. Trying to trace out some history reveals the same names as they moved through many company names and locations. There are people who do that history much better than I'll ever be able to.
ReplyDeleteI also like the upstate New York manufacturing history, I first discovered the city of Syracuse in the eighties when pretty much all industry had left, the town was hurtin'.
Discovered, like pith helmet, sextant, native upstate bearers, hacking through the jungle, and suddenly there before your wondering eyes, the spires and arcades of the Lost City of Syracuse? Boy I wisht I'da been there!
ReplyDeleteNo jungles but many feet of snow! More like discovering a radio station from the city that featured all sorts of ads for some competing bar/nightclubs, we had to go down and take a look. It was an eye-opener.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, Jack; I always wondered about 10 gauge shotguns, never having fired or even seen one. I do like side by sides.
ReplyDelete