GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EARLY POST WAR MERKEL MODEL 201E LEXUS OVER-UNDER GAME GUN WITH SILVER INLAY AND CARVED "CHECKERING". MERKEL OU 201 LEXUS 40203 12 GA. MODERN; IVORY Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 27-5/8" bbls are fitted with low, matted, solid rib. Breech section is engraved with semi-relief oak leaves and acorns in shaded background. Left side is marked "GEBRUDER MERKEL SUHL". Bottom bbl is stamped with 1954 German nitro proofs. Top ejector is stamped "70". Rounded and blued scallop-backed OU action features dbl Kersten bolt, pin type cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Automatic ejectors. Reinforcing bolsters. Action is engraved with oak leaves and acorns matching bbls. Remainder of action has near full coverage of more acorns and oak leaves in somewhat less relief surrounding silver inlaid game scenes with a setter pointing a pair of flushing pheasant in a woodland clearing on left; and a trio of silver mallards flying over swamp on right. Bottom of action has circular vignette of silver hare bounding through underbrush. Trigger guard is silver inlaid "R.E. McNETT." on bow. Boldly fiddle figured European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/8" over checkered composition buttplate. Stock features small right hand shadow line cheekpiece, and relief carved oak leaves as "checkering". Matching 3-pc field forend has Deeley release. Bore diameter: top -.721, bottom -.721. Bore restrictions: top -.012 (mod), bottom -.001 (cyl). Wall thickness: top -.035, bottom -.033. Drop at heel: 2-5/8", drop at comb: 1-9/16". Weight: 6 lbs 9 oz. LOP: 14-1/8". CONDITION: Excellent, near new, with only a few light handling marks in wood and metal. Silver inlays beginning to tone at edges. Carving slightly "polished" by hand wear. Mechanically crisp. A pleasingly presented Merkel. "Certifiable pre-ban ivory" bead sight. 49185-1 MGM289 (7,000-10,000)