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Febiger Arms Co. - AGAIN

Shansei45
Was told about these little oddballs a few years ago and didn't pay much attention because they're not a single-shot - which I collect. Now however, I've run into a nest of them and got more interested. When I Google for info all I find is a lot of good stuff on the Model #1. The ones I'm looking at are listed as Model #2 ! (?)

I've read that they (meaning the #1) can operate as either pump or semi-auto. Can't figure how, but now I'm wondering if the #2 is the same?

Can anyone help me on this? Also, anyone got a current value on a #2 in VG complete and working?

Any and all help greatly appreciated.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    I believe this has been addressed before. Very little is known about these nearly 100 year old rifles. Joe Schroeder wrote a article for the 5th edition of the Gun Collector's Digest, back in the late 80's, with some information regarding them. It's titled "Researching the Batavia Automatic Pistol". Good Luck on digging up any additional information on them. They are so obscure at this point in time, to be virtually unknown.
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  • Shansei45
    When I Googled for info I found the MOST info on them here at the GB Forums!!! As I recall the posts were from 2004. Couple of the guys posting back then I recognized as being current users of this forum.

    You might be surprised at the wealth of info is out there if you take the time to dig it out. My problem is that EVERYTHING I dug up was about the #1. I need to know about these #2s I ran across.

    I dug out my 5th Edition of GCD and am looking at that Batavia article right now. And, I note it too talks about ONLY the #1.

    Thanks for the tip Rufe-snow.

    Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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  • pphillips
    1. The Febiger #1 should have a pushbutton release on the forestock that prevents the forestock cycling, when the rifle is shot. The gun was made for semiautomatic functioning. The pump action is only used to get the first cartridge into the chamber.
    2. The Febiger #1, and Batavia automatic rifle are are based on the Febiger patent. My information shows they were both make by Baker Gun and Forging Co. Information is really scarce, and the more I learn the less I know .
    3.Gun Collector's Digest, 5th Edition has a good article on the Batavia automatic rifle. This article show pictures of the Febiger also.
    4. It appears that Baker lost a patent infringement suit brought by Savage arms over the Febiger magazine Design. This appears to have caused production to stop. Website http://rifleman.org.uk/savage_1908_22_magazine_and_patent.htm verifies this.
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  • pphillips
    Can you give a short description of the Febiger #2? Particularly the differences from the #1.
    Thanks,
    Phil
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  • Shansei45
    Thanks for the info pphillips. Note in my post above yours that I have that GDC article but it does NOT address a #2 rifle. It's a bit late now here on the Right Coast and I gotta' get my Beauty Rest. Will dig into you AR reference in the morn. Meanwhile I hope you and rufe-snow both have a great night. I gotta' crash.

    Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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  • Shansei45
    Unfortunately no. They are not in my possession. I'm working at getting them into my little herd of .22s. Can get some photos tomorrow and maybe we can compare them.

    G'nite, all.

    Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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  • Shansei45
    Here are pics of one of the rifles. This is the only one with checkering. The photos of the right side on these guns do NOT look like the pictures I've seen of the Model 1.

    FEBIGERLOT213-1_edited.jpg

    This is a closer view of the right side of the receiver.

    FEBIGERLOT213-3_edited.jpg

    Have asked seller for more info about WHAT and WHERE any stampings are on the gun to tell him that they are all Model 2s.

    More later when I know.

    Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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  • Shansei45
    For comparison, here's a similar pic of the Model 1. Unfortunately I couldn't get a copy in higher resolution, but you may be able to detect differences with this rather blurry copy.

    FEBIGERMDL1700W_edited.jpg

    Am still waiting for seller to furnish the full stamping, IF ANY, on the receivers of those Model 2s.

    Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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  • excelman
    as to the questions on baker batavia/febiger 22 rifles....Baker gun co. mfg. the 22 rifle in 4 grades the grades were defined by grade of wood used, checkering added and engraving the # 1 is excel wood in to days standards with no checkering, # 2 same with checkering, #3 extra fine wood with checkering/engraving, #4 wood, checkering,engraving as per customers order.....#3,4 very rare, only know 1 Baker collector with examples.. most if not all #2,3,4 will be marked Batavia .. Savage did sue Baker and the last lots were given to employees and friends in the Batavia area and were not marked with any name.
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  • Shansei45
    Just won a Model 1 Febiger from an out of state auction but it's not in hand yet. Once received and I can photograph it, I'll get back to this thread.

    Thanks to all for the wealth of info on these.

    Best regards ~ ~ ~ Shansei45
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