GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
FINE WAR TIME PRODUCTION MERKEL GRADE 203E SIDELOCK EJECTOR OVER-UNDER PIGEON OR TRAP GUN. MERKEL 203E SIDELOCK 27024 12 GA. MODERN; IVORY Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. This obviously custom made top of the line shotgun has 30" demi-block bbls fitted with matted, ventilated rib. Breech ends are nicely scroll engraved and marked "Gebruder Merkel Suhl" on left side, and "Suhler Waffenwerk" on right. Bbl flats are stamped with Nazi era nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers with a proof date of 10/40. Bottom of bottom bbl is stamped with SN, "Bohler Special", and with Merkel logo, which also appears on rear lump and action face. Coin finished OU action features double Kersten bolt, hand detachable sidelocks with engine turned internals, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, reinforcing bolsters, and double triggers (front articulated). Action and lockplates are engraved with near full coverage of exceptionally well rendered large open shaded scroll. This scroll is somewhat more deeply cut on fences and bolsters. Bottom of action is engraved with makers name. Blued top lever is also scroll engraved, and is silver inlaid with numeral "2" which is also on forend iron and rear of rib. Scroll engraved and blued trigger guard has SN at grip. Lightly streaked and figured dense European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14" over ribbed horn buttplate, and features swept right hand shadow line cheekpiece, closely spaced checkering with line borders at grip, and a silver oval on toe line engraved with monogram "J de K" (?). Matching 14" long 3-pc ejector forend has engine turned iron internals and Deeley release. Bore diameter: top -.719, bottom -.726. Bore restrictions: top -.037 (full), bottom -.009 (IC). Wall thickness: top -.030, bottom -.027. Drop at heel: 2-13/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 14". CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain essentially all of a satin re-blue over some light marks, lettering slightly softened. Action retains nearly all of its orig coin finish with some small areas of darkening and staining. Stocks retain nearly all of what appears to be their orig rubbed oil finish with some light marks and scratches, comb possibly taken down, checkering excellent but lightly worn. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. Gun is in need of a good cleaning to remove lots of congealed oil. "Certifiable pre-ban ivory" twin beads. 49029-8 MGM11 (7,000-11,000)