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Need some info on a Baker SxS 12ga shotgun. I think it is a Paragon model, very nice condition. I have seen a few of these and have some questions regarding this one. All the Baker's I have seen have a Damascus or London Twist barrels - this one has a blued finish - is this finish original or has it been re-blued? The barrel has matching numbers so it's original. I know that different barrels were avail. and the Paragon model was custom ordered so what other barrels could have been used? What is a Krupp barrel? The receiver is plated which I am not familiar with - common on Baker's? Any info is appreciated.

Well I can answer one of your questions. If the barrels are marked Krupp they are in fact fluid steel.
Jim

No markings on barrel other than the Serial number. Thank you, Jim

From the look of the joint of the top rib and the left side of the top rib it appears to have been refinished. MarkII

Where did you get the idea they were made from Krupp steel? You might want to get a magnifying glass and try to look through the blueing to see if they are in fact Damascus.
Jim

I'm doubtful that the frame is plated. It looks to me like the surface of the frame has been highly polished due to the worn down look of the engraving. Instead of being plated i'd think that is just shiny steel...Geo

P.S.: You might look closely at the barrel flats for a hint of damascus pattern. If they are blued, then the blue may be hiding the pattern.

The only Baker's I have seen have Damascus barrels, I am not sure these are so if they are not Damascus or London Twist barrels what could they be? They look to be refinished - done well, but refinished - unless these are 'special' in some way. I can't see through the blueing to determine if they are in fact refinished Damascus barrels. Did the Paragons have fluid steel barrels?

Yours is an early Paragon with the firing pin retaining screw and 3 pin lockplate. If you would post the SN, Daryl could give you a DOM.
About 1897, the $100 Pigeon Gun was offered which was essentially a Paragon but with pigeons in the engraving and steel barrels. The Special Paragon with Krupp steel barrels was introduced in 1903, which became the Paragon Krupp in 1904, then the N grade in 1906.

The Holland Fluid Steel L grade appeared about 1906.



The Paragon Grade Model 1909 with fluid steel barrels, the Expert, and the Baker Single Barrel Trap were all introduced in 1909.

You might put a dab of white vinegar on a soft cloth and rub a spot under the FE. A Damascus pattern will likely be apparent.



This is a post-1919 Folsom Paragon Ejector 20g with barrels by Laurent Lochet-Habran of Belgium, that supplied 'rough forged tubes' to several U.S. makers, including Hunter Arms



Lots more information at http://www.bakercollectors.com/

SN = #408 on foregrip, watertable and barrel

Mine