Baker Black Beauty
Baker Gun & Forging Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1903
Also known as: Baker Black Beauty Special, Black Beauty Double
Overview
The Baker Black Beauty is a side-by-side double-barrel break-action shotgun produced by the Baker Gun & Forging Company of Batavia, New York. Chambered in 12 or 16 gauge, it uses a sidelock action with internal hammers and twin triggers, blued barrels, a case-hardened receiver, and black oxide sideplates on a walnut stock. Automatic ejectors and a single selective trigger were available at extra cost. The model was built exclusively for the H. & D. Folsom Arms Company as a mid-grade sporting and field shotgun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1175 mm (46.26") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Barrels Case Hardened Receiver |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Manual Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Sidelock Action, Case Hardened Receiver, Black Oxide Sideplates, Optional Automatic Ejectors, Optional Single Trigger
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sporting and hunting market
Production
Production years: c.1903-1919
Manufactured by Baker Gun & Forging Co. exclusively for the H. & D. Folsom Arms Company until Baker's gun business was sold to Folsom in 1919.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
12-gauge guns were offered with 26, 28, 30 or 32 inch barrels; 16-gauge guns with 26, 28 or 30 inch barrels. Specifications listed reflect a representative 30-inch 12-gauge configuration.
Background
Batavia, New York became a notable center of American double-gun manufacture, and Baker's Black Beauty stood among the more attractively finished trade-grade guns of the pre-1920 era, distinguished by its black oxide sideplates that gave the model its name.