Baker Batavia leader 12ga double

Question
Hello, just found the above (sn# 6798F) at my in laws home.  Metal receiver side plates (polished?) no engraving.  No pitting in barrels (steel) feathered flat rail with two beads.  Minimal pitting on outside of barrels and rail.  Forestock has a small crack in it but is otherwise not scratched and has nice checkering.
Rear stock has a recoil pad in fair shape.remainder of stock has no cracks or scratches and nice checkering on handle.
I cannot find info on this lower sn model on line and would like your opinion on the approximate value and the exact size of the shell this weapon uses.  Can this weapon fire modern 12 ga 2 1/2 or 2/34 inch shells?
I am thinking of keeping it ( I have a c&r ffl).
Thanks,
Dr. Skip

Answer
Hello Anthony(Dr. Skip).
  Baker Gun & Forging Co. was founded in 1889-90. In 1903, they began manufacturing the Batavia Leader as a lower priced high quality shotgun, kind of for the working man. It had sidelock closure and was hammerless. In 1909 their fine damascus barrels were changed to twist-steel, a cheaper grade of damascus. In 1916, the Baker Gun & Forging Co. replaced the Leader with the Black Beauty. Early Leader's were numbered from approximately 75,000-106,000. There were a few later assembled guns using left over receivers and other parts. These bore the numbers from approximately 49,000-51,000. Now, we are down to your shotgun. In 1919, H&D Folsum purchased Baker Gun & Forging Co. The new name became Baker Gun Co. The serial numbers from that era included the letter F in them. The H&D Folsum Company closed around 1930, thus the finally of the Batavia Leader. Your shotgun with the serial number 6798F makes it one of the last manufactured .
  No, I would not be certain of the length of shell will fit. This is something you should have verified by a competent licensed gunsmith. The value being very high and the collector's scooping them up, I suggest that you have it checked and appraised. NOT BY A GUNSMITH or PAWN BROKER! These shotguns are generally found priced from $300 to well over $1,000. The rubber butt pad, if an after market, may reduce the value somewhat.
  I could go on and on, but this should answer your questions. Thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage