400

Gebruder Merkel, Suhl, Model 203-E O/U Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Gebruder Merkel, Suhl, Model 203-E O/U Shotgun
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Exceptional Gebruder Merkel, Suhl, Model 203-E Over/Under Detachable Sidelock Shotgun, #36444, 12 ga., 2-3/4'' chs., 28'' satin blue finish barrels with 3/8'' tapering matted rib, 1/8'' front white bead, chokes measuring .050'' and .035'', double Kersten crossbolts and ejectors. Action is coin-finished, having a blued top lever and triggerguard, with a single mechanical trigger and blued barrel selecting slide on the right side of the trigger plate and a blued automatic top-tang sliding safety; lockplates have brightly polished cocking indicators and screw pins, with a blued detaching lever on the right lockplate. Action has finely detailed, high-relief, classic Germanic game scenes that are chisel, burin and punch-dot engraved with hares and geese pursued by a pointer on the left lockplate and a fox stalking ducks by a marsh on the right lockplate, the engraving technique creating a lustrous three-dimensional effect; the balance of the frame, levers and forend iron are scroll engraved with background shading and rosettes on the bolsters; underlugs are dated 11/1952, with a first quality mark. Figured French walnut pistol-grip stock and three-piece field forend have a semi-gloss oil finish with 26 line-per-inch checkering and finely carved vines on sides of upper wrist; pistol grip cap and ribbed buttplate are black composition and the toe line has a silver oval engraved ''H.C.'' in block letters. Length of pull is 14-1/8'', drop at comb is 1-1/2'' and drop at heel is 2-3/4''; weight is 7-1/4 lbs. The gun remains in excellent, near original condition, having been well maintained, with the appearance of occasional light use. Breeches and action face have faint oxidation. Trigger plating is slightly mottled. Removable forend has a hairline interior separation and the stock has a 1/2'' impression on the heel. Bores are bright with light residue, action is tight, trigger is crisp, ejectors are strong. Est.: $8,000-$12,000. (C&R)