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LOT 588
Very Fine Factory Master Werner Wahl Signed, Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Gebruder Merkel Sidelock Drilling with Relief Carved Stock and Docter Scope - Serial no. 199955, 16/7x65R/22 Hornet gauge, 25 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Gebruder Merkel is one of the most respected makers in Germany and are known for producing pieces as beautiful as they are durable. This drilling has blued steel barrels with an engraved ramped beaded blade front sight, flip-up rear sight, and engraved German claw mounts holding a Docter VZF 1.5-6x42mm M scope on the matted solid rib, highly attractive leafy scroll engraving at the breech, and 1991 dated German proof marks. The shotgun barrel has a 2 3/4 inch chamber and a choke constriction of .027 inches. The coin finished hand detachable sidelock action displays exceptional decoration executed by Master Engraver Werner Wahl, who not only created amazing pieces of art, but was also a tutor to trainee engravers in Suhl. The action displays broad leafy scroll engraving covering nearly the entire surface outside of the three magnificent gold inlaid game scenes. The
left lockplate depicts a roaring red stag with a pair of hinds in a forest scene, the right side shows a sounder of running wild boar, and the underside shows a singular bust of a fox. The gun features a pair of triggers with the front a single set, a tang mounted selector, and a tang mounted manual safety.