The size of an adult shell varies between 25 mm and 54 mm. The thin shell has an elongate to ovate shape with a large broad, convex
body whorl. The conical
spire is pointed. There are numerous, rounded spiral cords on the whorls; but they may be hard to see. In some specimens, the cords are large with occasional low and broad axial ribs. The presence or absence of
sculpture in this species is an individual character and is not based on a geographic location. The broad oval
aperture points upwards. The
siphonal canal is short and broad. The
columella and the parietal wall are curved showing a thin, yellowish-white callus. The horny
operculum is small and oval. The color of the shell varies between yellowish-brown and purplish-gray. Baer's buccinum is host to larval stages of
trematodes. The hermit crab
Pagurus hirsutiusculus (Dana, 1851) can be found in empty shells of Baer's buccinum. ==Distribution==