Grandpa's Baker Shotgun, Damascus barrel

[40 caliber]

This has been in the family for years. I just got it from my uncle. It was my grandfather's, his father. We believe it goes back to my great grandfather. I collect Milsurps and know nothing about shotguns. i thought this was a $100 wall hanger and did not bother to even put it in the safe. I have been getting conflicting information that it may be a lot more than that.

What I do know is that is it a Damascus Barrel, the 6542 serial number means it was built in or before 1887. The gun matches the barrel as well as the spare barrel. It is a complete set. My mother realizes now that she sold the original carrying case for the gun and both barrel at a yard sale (sob!). I know the butt pad is wrong. i want to fix it but can't tell if my Grandfather cut the stock to add it.

I have no plans to ever sell, but i am trying to understand
1. What Baker model is this ? and what is the real value? this is not a what is my gun worth thread. I have found multiple asking prices on gunbroker for $500 to $2000. Most are in better shape but none have a matching set of barrels.

it does not really matter it is worth more in sentiment, but i am curious. you cannot hurt my feelings here, i agree the condition here is not that good.

2. Someone said it is worth more if professionally reblued/restored. which is against everything i know about collecting. I am looking for facts here not opinions. i have an opinion never to reblue restore, but wanted to know what anyone could tell me. I remember as a kid my grandfather keeping this behind the door loaded. I am glad to have it, i just want to know as much as I can about it.

Thanks in advance and enjoy,,,, And let me know what you know.

 

[Reyn]

well all i can say for a fact is that its cool.

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

I can tell you one thing, Do not dry fire it!!!!

The firing pins are brittle as hell and will likely break if dry fired. Put expended hulls in it to relieve the hammer springs.

I wouldn't fire modern ammo in it either unless it was downloaded.

 

[gscott]

Check out guns international they probably have some listed.they usually give a good description too might give you a better idea what you have

 

[gscott]

And rst and polywad both sell low pressure shells make sure of the chamber length. I would get it checked by a good gunsmith first.

 

[40 caliber]

Thanks guys, i have not intentions of firing it. and thanks for the info on the dry fire. i have already probably done it more than i should have.

I looked to gunbroker for comparables but no 2 exchangeable barrels!!!!!

 

[NorthShore]

well all i can say for a fact is that its cool.

+1

 

[Stumpthumper]

Awesome. I received a gun from my grandfather that was pretty similar to that...old, Damascus, great shape, in the family forever.... I say had because some asshat broke into my fathers house and stole it while it was being stored there. Sad.

 

[PATRON]

Baker was a very good shotgun maker in its day. The quality was up there with Parker Hale, they also had many grades of shotguns from the regular standard to the totally illustrious engraved ones. From what I can tell, the stock is not cut Midway sells a replacement butt plate for about $15. These old shotguns are becoming more of a collectors item today as people are using them as nice wall hangers in the home.

 

[Sprocket]

Head over to ShotgunWorld.com as well as Double Gun Journal (or something similar).

The Bakers are a NY made gun if IIRC. Damascus means you don't fire it until inspected by a reputable smith that deals with Damascus barrels for a living - Mike Orlen can help you find one. The 2 barrel set makes it more valuable. The shims/pad on the stock don't. The screws are slightly buggered which means someone was in there. Swap barrels and see if the lever stays in the same spot of if it moves back to center or right of center. That is an indication of wear. Overall it appears to have honest wear and not abused.

The fact that it has been in your family for generations - 3 at least - means you'd be a dick to sell it. The $$ spent to restore the wood and get a period correct butt plate would be appropriate. If a the 'smith cleared it for low pressure loads, there are a few companies that make them, RST being one off the top of my head. You won't use it everyday but you can use it on special occasions to honor everyone that hunted with it. It's priceless to your family, to everyone else there's a dollar figure.

Great find - keep us posted on the clean-up, etc.

 

[40 caliber]

Head over to ShotgunWorld.com as well as Double Gun Journal (or something similar).



The fact that it has been in your family for generations - 3 at least - means you'd be a dick to sell it. It's priceless to your family, to everyone else there's a dollar figure.
.

yes, i am a dick but i have no plans to ever sell it. As far as a firearm, it is probably more of a paperweight. I have no plans to fire it either.
it is however the oldest and most meaningful piece i own. after I got if from my uncle, people were telling him it was a $1000 gun. I think he started worrying about what he gave away.


I figured it was a $100 wallhanger more or less, which is actually better in the current situation.

thanks for the information

 

[Acme.Armament]

Need to see the water tables and underside of the barrels to determine the model and grade. Watertable
Then maybe these folks can help, Baker Gun Web Site - The Guns of William H. Baker

Having it restored will not add anything to the value. I know you are not going to shoot it, but if you change your mind, get shells from RST. They load them for use in old shotguns. It's what I use in my Parker made in 1894.

 

[asp]

It's what I use in my Parker made in 1894.

The same Parker that's known for vises and coffee mills? I've always wanted to see one of their guns...

Sorry for the derail, very neat shotgun OP, wish I had some info for you.

 

[rep308]

Shotgunworld people will have more knowledge in this area:

Shotgunworld.com ? View forum - Shotgun ID & Value

 

[Sprocket]

40 Cal - not having met you first hand I'll take your word that you're a dick - Didn't mean to insult you. You've got a hell of a wall hanger. Use some Murphy oil soap to clean & lemon oil to protect the wood and some Rem oil on the metal.

I believe you're right not to rework the metal - people often restock old sxs because wood cracks and wears out. If you can find a period correct butt plate that would be a good change. Although leaving it as is adds to the stories you can tell. Your call there, neither one bad.

 

[Acme.Armament]

The same Parker that's known for vises and coffee mills? I've always wanted to see one of their guns...

Sorry for the derail, very neat shotgun OP, wish I had some info for you.

If you ever are headed up to the shop, let me know the night before - I have a couple I would be happy to bring out for you to look at.