Batavia Leader 45-70???

[Dakota6gun]

Ran across this today:

Batavia Leader 45-70 double barrel rifle. Barrels appear to be Damascus. There is an imperfection on the outside of the left barrel that appears to originate in manufacture. Bores are shiny, rifling sharp.

The stock has a 3D elephant carved on one side and a 3D bear on the other side. The carvings are raised, not sunken.

There appears to be some sort of inlay on each side of the stock where it meets the receiver, sort of Looks like Bakelite. Also an inlay on the forearm. The inlays are brittle and chipped (like old bakelite).

Anyone here ever see one of these. I can't find anything on this rifle.

Any idea as regards value, shoot ability, collect ability?

Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide.

 

[Jim Watson]

Never heard of a Batavia Leader RIFLE. Plenty of shotguns.
I wonder if it might be a gunsmith project to convert a shotgun to double rifle by inserting liners.

Can you provide pictures?

 

[Dakota6gun]

Can't supply pictures today. Will try get some by this weekend. Stock would have to be custom too. Certainly has the dangerous game double rifle theme.

 

[Jim Watson]

Stock carving and Baeklite inlay make it sound like Somebody's Project Gun.

 

[StrawHat]

Batavia shotguns were the lower quality of shotguns offered by the Batavia Gun and Forge Company. Decent enough shotguns, no rifles were offered. More than a few shotguns have been converted to handle rifle cartridges so this is probably what you have. The barrel may be lined to 45 caliber (resulting in a heavy rifle) or the original shotgun barrels may have been cut and new barrels brazed or soldered into the stubs (lighter gun but more cost) The barrels may or may not be regualted to the sights.

I look forward to seeing the pictures.

 

[JohnBT]

www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1376&view=previous

The last post contains a short history of the Baker Gun Co. Batavia Leader and then the Folsom Batavia Leader after they bought it from Baker after WWI.

No mention of rifles though.

John

 

[Dr.Rob]

Wow I don't think that is something I'd shoot without a really competent gunsmith going through it. The damascus barrels won't take the direct pressure of a shot but still they are getting harmonic stress.

I'd still think 'black powder' type loads through it if I was going to shoot it at all.

Please post some pics if you can.

 

[Dakota6gun]

Looked at it again...

Got a second look at the rifle on Friday. You are dead on. Barrel liners in a double-barrel shotgun. I should have noticed that. Got to wonder how the gunsmith that built that would have been able to properly regulate the barrels.

Nice looking unit though I don't think I'd ever be comfortable shooting it. Didn't take pics once I saw the barrel liners.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[StrawHat]

V. M. Starr did a double rifle for me based on a 12 gauge Belgium gun. He cut the barrels to 25 inches and sleeved them. He was able to regulate them to hit at 80 yards. A heavy double rifle to be sure.

Where is this Batavia located? I used to collect Batavia and Baker guns.