Frederick T Baker, 88 Fleet St
& 21 Cockspur St, Pall Mall, London
.410 bore Sidelever, Back Action Sidelock
no. 7103
Date of manufacture: 1882-1898

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Heritage Guns' Comment .410 shotguns from this period are usually quite modest items, purchased as an introduction to shooting for a young child or for vermin control in and around farm buildings. However, ‘modest’ is not a term that can be applied to this superb little gun! FT Baker were renowned for their very finely finished guns that featured ‘wall to wall’ engraving of very Best quality and this gun is no exception. The wood has fantastic colour and figure, the steel barrels measure up well with only minimal pitting and the gun’s internals are bright with virtually no corrosion. Furthermore, it has retained its ‘Makers original case which is most unusual. The superb condition throughout is perhaps explained by having been in the original purchaser’s possession since being bought new at the end of the C19th. All in all, this is a very special opportunity for any enthusiast of the very best and most interesting products of the London gun trade and represents a very rare chance to own such a spectacular .410 shotgun. With good barrel dimensions, sidelever, interceptor sears, well-proportioned wood and original case, this lovely little gun would make a wonderful addition to anybody’s collection. Presented in its 'Makers original leather case with some accessories. The gun balances ¾” behind hinge pin. WE REGRET THAT THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN, PLEASE CONTACT US.

The action is of Thomas Southgate’s sidelock design and features:
Double triggers bolted by an automatic top tang safety slide;
Back action, 10 pin sidelocks; Interceptor sears;
Sidelever operating a double bite, Purdey bolt;
Roger’s cocking levers pivoting within the action bar;
Anson pushrod forend catch.
Gun weight 4lb 7oz
Engraving style 100% coverage Very Best Foliate Scroll.
FTB trade mark engraved on base of action. Gold inlaid ‘SAFE’.
Stylised ‘Fluted’ fences. Locks signed ‘FRED^R T BAKER’.
Some original hardening colour in protected places, otherwise lovely patination.
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ½ lbs Rear trigger 4 ½ lbs
The Steel barrels are 27" in length, chambered for 2 1/2" (65mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs.
Top rib is of the smooth, concave type.
London reproof for 65mm nitro powder cartridges in 1954-84.
Note: Due to the difficulty in accurately measuring these barrels, not least the tightness of the chokes which meant the MWT could only be measured from the breech end and chokes only by caliper, the figures shown for 9” FB, MWT’s & choke should be treated as approximate. We were unable to measure the MWT's between 14" from breech to muzzle but the internal bore appears parallel and we have no reason to think the MWT's are low.

Approximate barrel measurements at date of publication:

Approximate stock measurements at date of publication:

For the purposes of these measurements, 'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular to the
line joining the trigger and center of the butt at approximately 8" from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).

Patents Exhibited include:

Thomas Southgate lockwork patent no. 12314 of 1889;
 Roger's cocking levers patent no 397 of 1882;
 'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863;
 Anson's forend fastener patent no. 3791 of 1872.