GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
HIGH QUALITY MERKEL 303E SIDELOCK EJECTOR OVER-UNDER SHOTGUN WITH EXCELLENT, WELL DETAILED ENGRAVING, AND CASE. MERKEL OU 303E 36505 16GA MODERN; C&R Cal. 16 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 26" Demi-bloc bbls with solid matted rib are marked and engraved "GEBRUDER MERKEL" and "GERMANY" at breech ends, which are surrounded by some well cut shaded scroll. Bottom bbl is stamped with Sept 1952 East German nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers, and rear of left ejector is stamped "2-3/4". French grey double Kersten OU sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE engraved), raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, hand detachable sidelocks with H&H type lever on right lockplate, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with near full coverage extremely well cut and nicely shaded large open scroll with some floral highlights. Lockplates are semi relief engraved with finely detailed interesting game scenes. On left a pair of black game cock are sparring in alpine meadow while a trio of hens watch from foreground. Right side depicts four ducks taking wing from marsh while another swims away, as a bemused pointer looks on. Trigger plate is marked "Gebruder Merkel Suhl". Matching scroll is on trigger guard. Well marbled and figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 15" over black open sided Pachmayr white line pad. Grip cap is plain. Area behind lockplates is very nicely scroll carved. Closely spaced point pattern checkering is at grip. A vacant silver oval is on toe line. Ejector forend is of 3-pc type with removable bottom piece having Deeley type release. Bore diameter: top -.672, bottom - .670. Bore restrictions: top - .024 (IMod), bottom - .014 (mod). Wall thickness: top - .036, bottom - .036. Drop at heel: 2-11/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast 1/2" off. Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 15". Gun is accompanied by A&F marked leg o' mutton case. CONDITION: Very good to Excellent. Bbls retain over 80% orig blue with numerous light marks and silvering on sharp edges. Action retains most of its french grey finish which is quite pleasing. Stocks retain most of their orig hand rubbed oil finish with numerous marks, most light, some heavy, checkering slightly worn. Pad was installed many years ago to what appears to be orig curve of butt. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is good with some tape repairs to end cap and rear flap, which is detached. Straps and handle are good. A very nicely appointed lightweight early post war Merkel. 52199-1 MGM61 (7,500-11,500) W/CASE