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A master craftsman at Baron shows the intricate hand work that makes a gun a collectible. |
Baron Technology:
master engravers
In 1981, Frank Baron purchased the decorative firearms engraving portion of his former partner's business and established Baron Technology, Inc. Nestled in the hillside of Trumbull, Conn., the business is in the heart of the region where 80 percent of firearms manufacturers are located. With little or no in-house engraving being offered by any of the gun makers, Baron Technology fell into a very enviable position.
Frank's son, David, joined the firm in 1982 and currently serves as president. Together, the father and son team expanded the vision and the operation of their business. As new technology was introduced, David and Frank quickly incorporated the ideas into their operations, creating a unique business that became the leader in cutting-edge engraving techniques.
"Our specialty at Baron is the design and creation of special editions and collectables of the highest quality," David said. "We work together with most of the major gun manufacturers, both here in the United States and abroad. In many instances, we are the custom shop behind their catalog offerings, as well as the work we do for banquet products that you see at events."
A passion etched in conservation
In 1999, Baron Technology was contacted by the NWTF's marketing department with a request to create the art design work on an Ithaca Model 37 shotgun, to be used as its banquet offering for the 2000 season. It was the first time NWTF and Baron worked together to produce the NWTF Gun of the Year. The nickel-plated receiver was adorned on the left side with a strutting tom and two hens, in 24 karat gold, and the right side displayed the NWTF banner. The process of sculpted engraving was used.
"As my love of the outdoors got intertwined with my passion for hunting and shooting, I looked at all the organizations and their levels of activity in my New England region," David said. "Probably the greatest compliment that I can say about the NWTF is that when I attended one of their events, it was hard to tell the volunteers from the paid staff members. They were all pulling in the same direction with a passion and determination that was inspiring. It wasn't just one event either; it was every shoot, dinner and convention I attended."
Baron became a member of the NWTF in the 1980s.
"One of the exciting things about the NWTF is that they do so much for so many species," David said. "Habitat compounds good on good. When you help one species, you help countless others. It makes me proud to belong."
Growing together
Baron Technology is only a couple of years younger than the NWTF, and David says, in many ways, both have matured together in the shooting industry.
"In the early years, companies that wanted to get involved with the banquet programs of the NWTF were often companies that did not use Baron for their engraving needs," he said. "As a result of our relationship with NWTF, the companies approaching NWTF were often told to work out a proposal that would add to the banquet package, and it was recommended to them that they team-up with us. The harder I worked to grow the quality and scope of the NWTF's fundraising program, the faster my own business grew. I still owe a debt of gratitude to the NWTF, and it is why I enjoy my part as a volunteer."
A strong partnership
Baron Technology's latest offering for the 2011 banquet season is a Winchester Model 70 with a 24-karat gold plated NWTF logo on the floor plate.
"We can not be more proud of our relationship with the NWTF and their great causes," said David. "Because they are so successful in their work with habitat, kids and veterans, it is an exciting time to be working with the NWTF." — Jon Pries