William Baker New Era #4012 model 1900, 12 gauge nitro hammerless sidelock

Equipped with 30” “Fine Twist” damascus barrels, chambered for 2 1/2” nitro shot shells. The gun has been professionally restored and refinished. The barrels show exquisite browned damascus twist pattern and are also free of corrosion or damage save for two small scratches in the finish (see-photos).

The lockup is a rotary bolt mechanism operated by a top lever and engaging the rib extension. The gun is on face and there is no play in the lockup, fore end installed or not. The receiver is colour case hardened, however the colours are almost completely faded. The manual safety selector is located on the top tang behind the top lever. The gun is an extractor model. The hammer springs remain strong, the triggers crisp.

The butt stock is sympathetically refinished in the style and by the methods originally employed by Baker (open pore oil finish). The grip is an extended pistol grip with the original melamine grip cap. The butt plate is also the melamine original that came with the gun. It sports the Baker Gun and Forging Company logo. There are no cracks or chips in either.

The fore stock is a splinter type with an ebony tip. All serial numbers are matching. The date of manufacture for this model ranges between 1919 and 1923.

$2250 + shipping

You may be surprised to learn that William H. Baker was both the co-founder of 3 of the most recognizable American-made side-by-side makers AND the designer of the guns that they made.

Shortly after the Civil War, partnered with his brother Ellis, he built muzzle loaders. In 1878, in Syracuse, he formed a partnership with Lyman C. Smith and his brother, Leroy H. Smith, called W.H. Baker and Company. When Lyman bought out his partner in about 1880, it became the L.C. Smith Company (whose guns are now fondly called “Elsies” by their proponents and collectors). The guns designed by William Baker continued to be built. These guns were marked "L.C. Smith and Co., Maker of the Baker Gun". Thus one of the most well known American shotgun manufacturers was founded on William Baker’s shotgun designs. L.C. Smith and Co. was sold to Hunter Arms in 1888, then to Marlin around WWII.

Following the sale to Hunter Arms, Baker and Smith started a new company in Ithaca, NY, in 1883. This company went under Baker's name for a few years before being renamed the Ithaca Gun Company. Once again, one of the great American shotgun manufacturers was founded on the designs of William Baker.