When was a 16 gauge double barrel Batavia Leader made in Batavia New York and what is its value?

Answer 1

The company was in business from 1890 to 1919 when they sold to H&D Folsom. Folsom continued to assemble Bakers until 1923. My old catalogs show only hammer guns before c.1900, and the post-1919 guns seem to all be Batavia Specials. Not engraved in stone, 1900-1919 would be a good ballpark with the information you have provided. Value is going to be dependant upon condition, but a good range would be $150-$450. If you plan on shooting it, have it checked by a real gunsmith first. These old guns took a lot of use and abuse PLUS these early 16ga guns were not chambered for modern 2 3/4" shells. Firing modern 16ga ammunition in the short 2 1/2" or 2 9/16" chamber results in much higher pressure than these old guns were ever designed to stand. sales@countrygunsmith.net