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LOT 3644
Outstanding Factory Master Burkhardt
Hafner Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid
Gebruder Merkel Model 160E Sidelock
Double Rifle with Box - Serial no. 580145,
8x57 IRS cal., 23 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with a ramped blade front and fixed notch rear sights on the matted solid rib, standard barrel markings, 1 3/4 inch wedges of oak leaf engraving with a cluster of gold inlaid leaves on either side of the breech, 2004 dated German proof marks, and chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin finished sidelock action displays beautifully executed
near full coverage oak leaf engraving surrounding a pair of gold inlaid oval game scenes as well as a cluster of gold oak leaves and
“GEBR. MERKEL SUHL” on the underside and leaves continuing onto the trigger guard, toplever, and both tangs. The game scenes
consist of a running roe buck in a forested scene on the left and a running fallow buck on the right in a hardwood forest scene. The
left lockplate is signed “B. Hafner” for Merkel Master Engraver Burkhardt Hafner. The rifle features bushed firing pins, cocking indicators
on the lockplates, dual triggers (front is single set), and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point
checkered forend with engraved fittings and a pistol grip stock with black grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, and factory
buttplate. Includes the original box with end label indicating the Hafner was the engraver as well as “2005 IWA”. This rifle was built for display
and possible sale at the 2005 IWA show, the European counterpart to SHOT Show in the United States. Length of pull 14 7/16 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 6 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, coin, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The box is very good. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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