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sidelock action displays beautifully cut extensive scroll engraving surrounding “GEBRUDER MERKEL” on the underside and
a nice mix of flowery motifs on the bolsters. The engraving extends to the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs. The gun features double triggers (the front is articulated) and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point
checkered three-piece forend with engraved fittings, including the Deeley latch release, and pistol grip stock with shadowline cheekpiece and black grip cap and buttplate. Included is a wood and leather takedown case and cleaning brushes. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both measure .723 inches; choke constriction .029/.042 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.031 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull;
cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue finish, 98% plus original coin finish, areas of slight discoloration on the action, a few tiny areas of oxidation on the
underside of the action, and sharp checkering on the forend and stock. The case is very fine with inscription plaque having been removed. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
around the breech section. The coin finished bolstered hand detachable sidelock action displays full coverage scroll engraving over a matted background with floral designs on the bolsters and scroll continuing onto the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs. The gun features a single selective trigger and tang mounted manual safety switch. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered three-piece forend with engraved fittings and round knob pistol grip stock
with black rubber recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both measure .725 inches; choke constriction .044/.044 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.030 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 1 1/2 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 3 oz. CONDITION: Very good, retaining 95% original blue and coin finishes with light handling evidence. The left barrel rib has come loose toward the breech and there is
some oxidation under the forend. The wood has some gaps in the fitment at the forend shoe, some minor dings and scratches, and worn but well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
320
piece forend with engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with black polymer grip cap and buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.4mm (.724 inches) and both measured .726 inches; choke constriction .028/.042 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.032 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue finish, 95% plus original coin finish, minimal minor handling evidence, some areas of light discoloration in the coin, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3553
Factory Engraved Gebruder Merkel Model 304E
Hand Detachable Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun
with Case - Serial no. 62803, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin
finish, walnut stock. Blued Bohler steel barrels with a single white bead sight on the matted
solid rib, 1965 dated German proofs, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and attractive
scroll engraving at the breech section of the upper barrel. The coin finished, bolstered, hand detachable
LOT 3554
Factory Engraved Gebruder Merkel Model 303E Hand Detachable Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun - Serial no. 50857, 12 gauge, 30 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Blued Bohler Antint steel barrels with a single white bead sight on the matted vent rib, standard era factory markings, import mark under forend, 1959 dated German proofs, and deep floral scroll engraving
LOT 3555 Factory Engraved Gebruder Merkel Boxlock Over/Under Shotgun - Serial no. 83772, 12 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Blued Special Laufstahl barrels with a single white bead sight on the matted vent rib, standard era factory markings, import mark under forend, 1972 dated German proofs, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin finished bolstered boxlock action displays floral scroll engraving which extends to the toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs. The gun features double triggers (front articulated) and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Attractive, nicely figured, multi-point checkered three-