Baker Batavia
Baker Gun & Forging Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1900
Also known as: Batavia Leader, Batavia Special, Baker Batavia Leader, Baker Batavia Special
Overview
The Baker Batavia is a hammerless side-by-side double-barrel shotgun produced by the Baker Gun & Forging Company of Batavia and Syracuse, New York. Introduced around 1900, the Batavia line was the company's economical field-grade offering, including the twist-barreled Batavia Leader and the steel-barreled Batavia Special. Built on a break-action sidelock with double triggers and a top-lever break-open mechanism, the Batavia paired solid utilitarian construction with the craftsmanship that placed Baker guns alongside American greats like Parker, L.C. Smith, and Fox.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1168 mm (45.98") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Hammerless Action, Double Triggers, Checkered Walnut Stock, Top Lever Break Open
Variants
- Baker Batavia Leader — Twist Barrel
- Baker Batavia Special — Steel Barrel
Production
Production years: 1900-1930
Baker Gun & Forging Co. operated 1887-1919; H.D. Folsom Company of Norwich, Connecticut acquired the firm in 1919 and continued making Baker guns, including the Batavia line, until 1930.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William H. Baker
Discontinued: 1930
Notes
The Batavia Leader (introduced 1900) used Damascus twist barrels and listed at $25 in 1909; the Batavia Special used homo-tensile steel barrels and listed at $21.75. Damascus barrels were made until 1914. Dimensions are typical for a 30-inch-barrel 12-gauge field double; exact figures varied by order.
Background
The Batavia models were the working-man's Baker double. At $21.75 in 1909, a Batavia Special represented roughly two weeks' wages for an average American laborer, yet still carried the fine fit and finish that has since made Baker guns prized by collectors who rank them with Parker, L.C. Smith, and A.H. Fox.