Ezekiel Baker

For the 19th century New South Wales politician, seeEzekiel Baker (politician).

Ezekiel Baker(1758–1836)was a mastergunsmithfromWhitechapel,London,who became known for his design of theBaker riflein 1800.

Baker was apprenticed to gunsmithHenry Nockand opened a gunshop of his own at 24 Whitechapel Road, London in 1775.He later wrote a book on his experiences when making and using rifles.

The Baker rifle

Main article:Baker rifle

TheBritish Armyhad been experimenting with rifles since theAmerican Revolutionary War,but had found all available rifle designs either too fragile, cumbersome or slow firing to be able to use in a generalised war. On 4 February 1800, a number of leading gun makers were invited toWoolwichto trial their rifle designs by theBoard of Ordnance,who were responsible for the procurement of weaponry for the army. Baker's design was chosen, and he was given an initial order for 800 rifles. In the same year, an "Experimental Corps of Riflemen" was raised by ColonelCoote Manninghamand Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon.William Stewart.The corps was manned by volunteer officers and soldiers from a variety of British regiments and militias, and would soon be renamed and normalised into the army under the name the95th RiflesRegiment of Foot.

By 1810, five Britishbattalions,three of the 95th and two of the60thRegiments, as well as several light companies of theKing's German Legionwere equipped with the Baker rifle. The rifle was renowned for its accuracy and range. It was used throughout theNapoleonic Warsand continued in service until the 1830s.

Sources

• Baker, Ezekiel (2010) [1804].Twenty-three Years Practice and Observations with Rifle Guns.Kessinger Publishing.ISBN978-1-166-27060-5.
• Henderson, Robert.Loading and Firing the British Army Baker Rifle, 1799 - 1815.