GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
MERKEL MODEL 303E WITH THREE BARREL SETS, DOUBLE RIFLE, RIFLE/ SHOTGUN, AND DOUBLE SHOTGUN, SCHMIDT AND BENDER SCOPE, AND CASE. MERKEL 303E 68349 12 x 12, 12 x 30-06, 9.3x74Rx9.3x74R MODERN; ESA Cal. 9.3x74R x 9.3x74R, 12 x 12, 12 x 30-06. 2-3/4" Chambers. Three sets of demi-block OU bbls, 25-3/4" double rifle, 25-5/8" rifle/ shotgun, and 28" double shotgun. Double rifle set is fitted with quarter rib, holding one standing rear sight and claw scope bases for Schmidt and Bender 1.1 - 4 X 24 Zenith 30mm scope with 3 post and crosshair reticle. This bbl set has a proof date of 12/68. Rifle/ shotgun bbl set has full length solid rib with flip-over rifle/ shotgun rear sight, with bbl proof date of 1/68. Double shotgun set with matted ventilated rib has a proof date of 1/68. All bbl sets are of Bohler steel and have DDR proofs. Rear portions are engraved with well cut large open scroll with "GEBRUDER MERKEL, SUHL" on left sides. Coin finished OU double Kersten sidelock action features non-automatic safety, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front set). Locks are hand detachable with takedown screw flap in right lockplate. Lock internals are engine turned. Action is engraved with full coverage well cut semi-relief large open shaded scroll with floral highlights. Lockplates are engraved with dramatic scenes also in semi-relief of hawk stooping upon game birds, with left side depicting a covey of quail (?) scattering amongst under growth, and with four pheasant in various poses either running or flying on right. Bottom of action is engraved with makers name, and steel trigger guard is engraved with matching scroll. Finely marbled and lightly figured European walnut black capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over orig beaded horn buttplate with embossed Merkel logo. Stock features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, multi-point pattern checkering at grip, with a chinstrap transition to butt, which has a sling loop as well as a gold oval engraved with monogram "JPB" (?) on toe line. Bbls are fitted with 3-pc ejector forend with Deeley release, bottom section of which serves all three bbl sets. DOUBLE RIFLE: Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Neutral cast. Weight: 8 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". RIFLE/ SHOTGUN: Bore diameter: top -.726. Bore restrictions: top - .042 (extra full). Wall thickness: top - .033. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Neutral cast. Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". DOUBLE SHOTGUN: Bore diameter: top -.726, bottom - .726. Bore restrictions: top - .013 (mod), bottom - .015 (mod). Wall thickness: top - .029, bottom - .031. Drop at heel: 2-11/16", drop at comb: 1-9/16". Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". Tan leather case with riveted-on brass corners is lined in burgundy velvet. It has space for action and all three sets of bbls. Case contains a pair of 12 gauge snap caps. A covered compartment contains a scope cover and two keys, as well as an initial plate for top of case with same initials as on gold oval. CONDITION: Excellent. All bbl sets retain over 95% of what appears to be orig blue, silvered on sharp edges. Action retains nearly all of its coin finish, some areas darkening. Stocks retain 85 - 90% orig hand rubbed oil finish, thinned around grip and on forend, with numerous light marks and bumps. All bores are very fine to excellent. Shotgun and rifle/ shotgun bbls are tight. 12ga shotgun bbl has well patinaed ivory bead sight. Double rifle bbls are a bit loose with forend removed. Ejectors are strong and in time. Scope is excellent, near new. Optically clear. Case leather is darkening and has many marks and rubs. Interior cloth is very good with a number of areas rubbed through. Straps and handle are good. A fine combination for the worldwide one gun hunter. 51602-1 MGM95 (12,500-17,500)