serial #5296, 12 ga., 29 3/4'' barrels choked about modified in each with mostly bright very good to fine bores, the right tube showing some oxidation and light pitting nearer the breech end, the left tube less-so; the right barrel with a couple small dings. The barrels are rather nice and show a contrasting twist gray and plum damascus pattern their full length. The frame retains perhaps 92% original color case-hardening, vibrant in spots, fading to a mottled smoky case-hardened patina on the belly, also showing some light oxidation staining and very light pitting in that area, more so on the forend iron and bow of the guard. The checkered round knob American walnut buttstock rates very good with some original varnish, and some added, and the overall expected light dings and handling marks showing a 14 1/8'' length of pull to the checkered Syracuse Forging & Gun buttplate, with drops of 2 1/8'' and 3 1/8. The splinter forend rates about good, the checkering more worn and with two nickel plated copper bands securing the forearm to the iron due to a split; this is actually a rather neat repair from the period-of-use. The rebounding back action locks seem to function properly mechanically, the left hammer screw is a replacement but it is nicely done, lock-up seems tight however the barrels do exhibit a sliver of light between the breeches and the standing breech, the locks however operate properly. Seldom do we see these ''New Baker'' guns with any condition at all as they were very hard-used, working man's guns. This is a very nice example. (39738-228) {ANTIQUE} [Kris Congdon Collection] (250/450)
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