Exceedingly Rare, High-Grade Baker Gun & Forging Co. 12-Gauge Double-Barrel Shotgun Serial Number: 2789 (Circa 1890–1894) from Heritage Continental Arms near Largo, Tampa/St. Pete, FL

FOR SALE: Exceedingly Rare, High-Grade Baker Gun & Forging Co. 12-Gauge Double-Barrel Shotgun
Serial Number: 2789 (Circa 1890–1894)
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Asking Price: $2,500 - This antique "High Grade" Baker 12-gauge Double Barrel Shotgun (with Damascus steel barrels and serial number 2789) has an estimated market value ranging between $2000 and $3,500+. Rich original case colors on receiver, vibrant Damascus swirls, pristine wood and all original parts.

Classification: Antique (Pre-1899, Federal FFL Exemption Applies)

Overview:

Offered here is an exceptional, investment-grade example of American gunmaking history: an early-production, high-grade Baker 12-gauge side-by-side. Bearing a very low four-digit serial number (2789), this piece dates precisely to the golden era of the Baker Gun & Forging Company immediately following their historic move to Batavia, New York. Exhibiting a level of preservation rarely seen in firearms of this vintage, this shotgun remains in outstanding, unaltered condition, featuring all-original parts and vivid factory finishes. Serial numbers matching on all pieces.

Barrels & Bore Condition:

• Barrels: 30-inch tubes featuring premium, vibrant Four-Blade Damascus steel. The intricate, swirling ribbons of welded iron and steel are exceptionally crisp and highly defined along the entire length; highly prized by collectors for their intricate, swirling aesthetics. 
• Bores: Mirror-clean and absolutely pristine. There is zero pitting, frosting, or dark spotting from historical black-powder use. The walls remain smooth and bright.

Receiver & Unique Artisan Engraving:

• Finish: The receiver boasts rich, original case-hardened colors, showcasing beautiful, deep mottled blues and grays that remain striking and un-faded.
• Engraving: This premium model bypasses standard border work for a magnificent, hand-cut game scene. It features an intricately detailed pointing dog set against textured grass and field scrollwork. Adhering to Baker’s historic "No Two Alike" factory policy, this entirely hand-chiseled vignette acts as a unique artisan fingerprint, making frame #2789 a one-of-a-kind piece of American artistry. The trigger guard loop and the top break-levere areas feature matching scrollwork, this is a premium specimen. Given the early 1890s manufacturing date of serial number 2789, the lead engraver responsible for this shotgun's artwork was almost certainly Frank E. Mason.  He was the undisputed master specialist hired directly by the Baker Gun & Forging Company when they opened their Batavia, New York facility. He handled and supervised the embellishments of their high-grade firearms during this specific era. Mason was a highly respected visual artist whose skills translated perfectly from the canvas to steel. His intense attention to detail regarding wildlife and hunting dogs gave early Baker shotguns their defining aesthetic.

Stock & Original Components:

• Woodwork: The premium walnut stock features pristine, tight grain structure with minimal wear and no structural cracks or repairs. The original fine-line checkering remains sharp to the touch.
• Butt Plate: Retains its completely original, authentic hard-rubber butt plate. The plate is sharply stamped with the highly coveted, interlocking "B.G.F.Co." monogram—confirming this gun has never been modified with an aftermarket recoil pad.

Included Premium Accessories:

• Case: Accompanied by a beautiful, Negrini hard case. The case complements the historic aesthetic of the shotgun perfectly, offering both excellent protection and an elite presentation for display.

Collector Terms & Shipping

• Legal Status: Manufactured between 1890 and 1894. This firearm is a legal antique under U.S. Federal Law and can be shipped directly to the buyer's doorstep where local state laws allow. No FFL transfer fee required.
• Inquiries: Photos of the water table proofs, receiver case coloring, and Damascus patterns are available upon request via email.