Baker Gun Co. Model R Grade Krupp, Engraved Blue & Case Colored 30” Side by Side Dual Trigger Shotgun MFD 1906-13 C&R
SOLD
LSB#: 160610RG03
Make: Baker Gun Co.
Model: R Grade Krupp
Serial Number: 42543RK
Year of Manufacture: 1906-1913 (http://www.bakercollectors.com/index.php?p=1_8_Baker-G-F-Co-Guns)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Dual-Non Selective Trigger Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The top of both barrels are marked “KRUPP FLUID STEEL”, the underside of the barrels are marked “FLUID STEEL” (very faded), the underside of the forend latch is marked “S / 2”. The underside of the barrel flat is marked “42543RK”. The top of the forend bracket is marked “42543 / R D”, the top of the forend is marked with the serial number, found again on the watertable of the receiver. The left lock plate has a pointer and what appears to be a quail, in a field setting, the right lock plate has a setter and snipe; both plates are marked “BAKER GUN CO.” The receiver and trigger guard have tasteful line and scroll engraving. The butt plate is marked “BAKER”.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: The right barrel is choked Full (0.694”), the left is choked Full (0.693”).
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a larger white bead at the muzzle and a smaller mid-rib bead, both screwed into the solid rib of the barrel set; the top of the rib is concave and milled in a wave-like pattern for glare reduction. The rib tapers from 0.551″ at the breech to 0.368″ at the muzzles.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set that have been re-varnished at some point. The splinter-profile forend has slight gap in fit to the bracket, indicating it may have been lightly sanded at some point; there are light marks present. The butt stock has a wrap-around checkered pistol grip with a black grip cap that has some heavier pools of varnishing. The stock has some small chip losses by the upper and lower tang and left side plate. The stock has slight rounding at the butt plate, suggesting it may have been lightly sanded at some point, the fit to the receiver is flush. Drop at comb is 1 7/16”, drop at heel is 2 5/8”. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the rear trigger and 14” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the checkered black plastic shotgun-style butt plate; the plate has caked varnish and some built up red material that appears to be epoxy that we could not remove; the plate is free of cracks and rates in about Good Plus condition. The stocks rate in about Good Plus to Very Good overall condition as re-varnished.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are light gray, both show some small bumps that translated from dings on the outside of the barrel set. There are spots of light to moderate depth pin prick erosion scattered in both bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows spots of thinning on the barrel set, which is transitioning to brown and plum patina; there are spots of solid surface oxidation present on the barrel set and receiver. The barrel set’s rib has some dings and edge thinning. The barrels have dings that translated as small bumps on the inside of the bores. The receiver and its components have areas of hardened varnish from when the stocks were refinished, these areas were case colored but are now ‘in the white’ from handling and age. Infrequent spots of coloring still remain on protected areas. The upper tang, under the top lever, shows darkened pin prick erosion, which is found in lighter form on the other surfaces as well. The trigger guard and lower tang have scuffing, handling wear and brown patina, some has transitioned to oxidation. The screw head slots have moderate tooling and some oxidation. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun has dual non-selective triggers and an extractor. The trigger pulls are a tad heavy but break clean. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 8oz. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a Baker Gun Co. R-Grade with Krupp steel barrels and nicely detailed engravings on the lock plates. The stocks have been re-varnished but the metal finishes are original. The action functions correctly, the shotgun has a natural point of aim and the system is well balanced. The bores have a few bumps from dings on the outside of the barrels and the bores show light to moderate depth spots of pin prick erosion. In all, this is a beautiful shotgun that comes to us from over 100 years ago and with some TLC, should continue to live on as a faithful field gun. Please see our pictures and good luck.
