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LOT 1426
Factory Game Scene Engraved German Merkel Model 140 1.1 Safari Double Rifle in 7x57 mm R with Box - Serial no. 551271, 7x57 R cal., 23 5/8 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 2001 per the “AB” date code on the underside of the chambers. Features a brass insert bade front sight on a ramped
and matted full-length rib, an island-mounted and dovetailed standing express rear sight, saddle lump Krupp steel barrels with an importer mark the left barrel, and
“(craftsman)/SUHL” marked on the underside of the action, two brass tipped raised coking indicators on either side of the action, bushed firing pins, double triggers, a
tang mounted automatic safety, and automatic ejectors. The coined A&D boxlock action is scalloped with side clips and a Greener cross-bolt, and displays detailed engraved
game scenes on either side, with an impala running on the right and two more grazing on the left, surrounded by scroll engraving and bordering, along with patterns continued on the blued action lever and trigger guard,
with the factory master engraver’s name “KNOTH” on the lower right of the left-side game scene in a small banner. Fitted with a highly figured multi-point checkered sporter forend with Dewey latch along with engraved and coined
fittings, as well as a straight grip multi-point checkered walnut buttstock with shadowline cheekpiece and a solid “Gebr. Merkel/Suhl” marked synthetic buttplate. Includes the original Merkel box.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, retaining 99% plus original blue and coin finishes with some dried factory oil in the action, limited minor handling evidence, along with crisp and clear engraving. The wood is also excellent with crisp
checkering and attractive grain figuring. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1424
Factory Ulrich Sorg
Signed and Master
Game Scene Engraved
Merkel Model 140-2.1 Safari Double Rifle in .375 H&H Magnum with
Case - Serial no. A375035, 375 H&H Magnum cal., 23 9/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin
finish, walnut stock. Built with blued steel barrels featuring a ramped blade fore sight
and a two-leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight on the matted solid rib which is
marked “Safari .375 H&H”, dual bands of engraving at the breech, standard markings,
German proof marks dated 2000 on the flats, and chamber with single extractor. The
barrels are fitted to the coin finished sideclipped boxlock action which displays scroll engraving surrounding a bull elephant on the left side, a running lion on the right
side, and the Suhl emblem on the underside. The engraving is signed at the left low rear “US” for Merkel factory Master Engraver Ulrich Sorg. The rifle features bushed firing
pins, cocking indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted manual safety. The rifle is fitted to an attractively figured and multi-point checkered semi-beavertail forend
with engraved iron as well as a pistol grip stock with black grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, and a Kick-Eez recoil pad. Includes a leather Merkel flat case and a
Merkel cartridge wallet. Length of pull 14 7/8 inches. Weight 10 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent with 99% original blue and coin finishes with some spots of dried grease and minor handling evidence. The stock has a deep ding on the left under
the cheekpiece; otherwise, the wood is very fine with a few dings, slightly oversized butt pad, and sharp checkering.. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 1425
Factory Engraved Chapuis Progress Express
Double Rifle - Serial no. 49478, 9.3x74R cal., 23 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured c. 2000. Built with blued steel featuring with an interchangeable white beaded blade
foresight and orange fiber optic rear sight on the raised rear quarter rib which features mounts for a scope, foliate
engraving, and “EXPRESS CHAPUIS ARMES FRANCE”. The barrels also show an import mark under the forend, a front sling swivel, French
proof marks, and chambers with ejectors. The coin finished scalloped boxlock action displays scroll engraving surrounding floral bouquets
and features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted manual safety. The rifle is fitted with a handsomely figured and multi-point
checkered beavertail forend with coin finish and engraved iron marked “CHAPUIS ARMES/JUXTAPOSE PROGRESS” as well as a pistol grip stock with
raised cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 8 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes, some discoloration on the trigger guard, a tiny ding at the rear of the left barrel, and otherwise minor handling marks. The wood is also excellent
with a few minor dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000