GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
FINELY FINISHED 20 GAUGE PREWAR MERKEL MODEL 301E OVER UNDER BOXLOCK EJECTOR SHOTGUN.MERKEL301E2330920GAMODERN; C&RCal. 20 ga. 28-1/4" Demi-bloc bbls with matted solid rib are engraved "Gebruder Merkel" "Suhl" and "Suhler Waffenwerk" on breech sections with fine floral engraving. Bbl flats are stamped with 1936 German nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Case hardened double Kerston OU action features automatic safety, reinforcing bolsters, and double triggers (front articulated). Back of action shows exceptionally fine scalloping. Action is engraved with near full coverage varying sized scroll with small scroll and wiggle borders surrounding superbly rendered large bouquets of flowers on sides and bottom. Flowers also cover bolsters. Makers name and address are on bottom of action. Blued trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN on tang. Very finely fiddle figured dense European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14" over checkered horn buttplate, and features elongated diamond shaped inlet horn drop points and multi point pattern checkering. 13" Long 3-pc ejector forend has inlet horn tip and Deeley release. Gun has "II" at rear portion of rib on top of action, and bottom of forend iron. Bore diameter: top -.627, bottom - .627. Bore restrictions: top - .007 (IC), bottom - .003 (IC). Wall thickness: top - .028, bottom - .027. Drop at heel: 2-15/16", drop at comb: 1-7/8". Cast about 1/4 off. Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14". PROVENANCE: Consignors notes. CONDITION: Fine. Bbls retain over 85% what appear to be orig blue, silvering mostly on rib. Action retains a considerable amount, perhaps as much as 30% orig case hardening color, strong where protected. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their orig oil finish with numerous light marks and dings. Checkering worn, and has not been re-cut. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Mechanically fine. A superb quality small bore prewar Merkel. 52709-1 MGM418 (3,000-5,000)