Baker Batavia Leader shotgun

Question
Mr. Gage

I have a Baker Gun Company Batavia Leader serial number 13077F. The gun is a side by side 12 gage double barrel

How can I determine how old the gun is ?

Thanks

Answer
Hello Dan. On December 24,1919, Baker Gun & Forging was sold to H&D Folsom. It was at this time that Folsom changed the name to Baker Gun Company. Folsom also moved the gun plant to Batavia,NY. Another change they made was in the manufacture of the gun. They changed from the London Twist and Damascus forged barrels to an all steel barrel. In 1933, Folsom discontinued production of firearms and began the manufacture of automobile parts. The F in your serial number denotes the Folsom period of manufacture. The Folsom's did not have a continuous serial number dating system, therefore, the date of manufacture of your shotgun can only be a good guess. I did find one with a serial number 25433F dated 1923, so your shotgun may have been manufactured between 1919 and 1923. There is some information on your Batavia Leader as well as pricing and description in the book 'Gun Digest Book of Cowboy Action Shooting - Gear-Guns-Tactics' edited by Kevin Michalowski.. This information should get you on your way. Thank you for asking for me to help you with your question. Charles Gage