GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE MERKEL 303-E SIDELOCK EJECTOR OVER-UNDER GAME GUN. MERKEL OU 303 E 39777 12 Ga MODERN; IVORY Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Demi-bloc bbls fitted with matted, ventilated rib are engraved "GEBRUDER MERKEL SUHL" and "GERMANY" on ejector bosses which are exceptionally well engraved with open shaded scroll. Bottom bbl is stamped with Aug 1954 German nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Coin finished, double Kersten, OU action features H&H type sidelocks, which are hand detachable with hidden hinged cover thumbpiece on right lock. Gun also features non-automatic safety and single selective trigger with selector button at right side of trigger. Action is near fully engraved with exceptionally well cut open, shaded, acanthus scroll. "Gebruder Merkel Suhl" is on bottom. Lockplates with no scroll are engraved with exceptionally fine scenes of canines and game; a pair of setters, one pointing a pair of flushing quail, while the other honors point, are on left lockplate. On right a fox peers over brow of hill hungrily anticipating a pheasant dinner, as five pheasant feed. Background details of this engraving are very well done. Blued top lever and trigger guard are scroll engraved. Dark and dense, nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over leather faced open sided white line pad over 1/2" of black and white spacers. Grip cap is of relief cast silver (?) with initial "C" (?) at bottom. A figured walnut Monte Carlo comb has been fitted over orig comb. Well carved open scroll is behind lockplates, and modified point pattern checkering is at grip, which makes a transition to butt with "chinstrap". A gold oval on toe line is engraved "LMC" "WHITING" "N.J.". Matching 3-pc ejector forend has Deeley release and engine turned internals. Ventilated rib bbls for Merkel shotguns have not been available for some time. Bore diameter: top -.719, bottom -.719. Bore restrictions: top -.036 (full), bottom -.028 (Imod). Wall thickness: top -.042, bottom -.044. Drop at heel: 2-1/2", drop at rear of Monte Carlo: 1-7/16", drop at comb: 1-7/16". Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain approx 90% of what appears to be orig blue. Coin finish of action is still light in color, all engraving sharp and clear. Stocks retain over 90% of what appears to be their orig hand rubbed oil finish, checkering lightly worn. A small sliver is missing from left side of added Monte Carlo. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. A scarce high grade post war Merkel. "Certifiable pre-ban ivory" bead sights. 49432-27 MGM397 (8,000-12,000)