Posted by Mark Anderson on March 14, 2022, 7:04 pm
Hi, Not a member yet, but motivated by curiosity and the history. I have the bug to look for a late model SXS hammerless. I inherited a 12ga SXS hammer that had been in my dad’s gun showcase as long as I can remember. My mom said it was my grandpa’s only shotgun on the farm that she ever knew of and she remembered the smoke. I pulled out the other day to see if it needed anything or possibly look into a restoration. I wiped it down a bit and then started thinking about not ruining any integrity, so I looked for similar online and what to and not to do. It’s not cosmetically really bad, but it’s a very early(serial number 2825 A) model. I deduced 1880/1881, English twist and an A model from that period. I don’t really care about dollar value, but I’d like to look into cost of restoration for a sentimental value. I extracted a side plate screw that the head had been stripped. It’s really the only mechanical thing wrong and though the overall is fair+, I hope to look so good when I’m 142. Anyway, does anyone know a good gunsmith in or near Minnesota, that I could talk to? Also, I wonder how many of the original Baker made 8,XXX are still in existence?
Thanks, Mark Anderson
Re: Local gunsmith with LCS knowledge and expertise
Mark, lots of good questions but since there are no remaining records there are many unanswered ones. I'll assume that your gun has Baker Pat's engraved on the side locks. If so, your gun was the lowest grade probably manufactured c. 1880. Serialization began about 300-1500 for the 3 barreled guns and 1500 to 10,000 for the double barreled guns. All have Damascus barrels of varying quality and were black powder guns in their day, hence "all of the smoke". No one is quite sure of this information and hopefully David Williamson chimes in here as he has become our guru on these guns and has compiled an extensive list.
There are quite a few of us who still shoot these guns with modern low pressure ammo. We have several gunsmiths in our ranks who could assist you but I don't know any in Minnesota. Please send me a PM at cedarclyffelodge@gmail.com and I'll send you several photos of an "A" that I restored and a few others. Thanks, Tom
Re: Local gunsmith with LCS knowledge and expertise