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LOT 466
Master Walter Kolouch Signed, Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid 20 Gauge Gebruder Merkel Over/Under Shotgun - Serial no. 34284, 20 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/ gold finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured/proofed in 1951 and subsequently masterfully embellished by one of the world’s finest engravers, Master Engraver Walter Kolouch. Blued Special
382
Laufstahl barrels with single white bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, Merkel marking on the left of the chamber and “GERMANY” on the right, standard period German proofs, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and beautiful floral scroll engraving covering the upper chamber and extending in wedges towards the muzzle. The bolstered scalloped boxlock action displays outstanding floral scrollwork covering nearly the entire surface aside from the exceptionally executed gold inlaid game scenes. The scenes depict a trio of teal over the water on the left, a pointer on point on the underside, and a pair of grouse on the right side in flight. The scrollwork continues onto the toplever, both tangs, and the triggerguard which shows another gold inlaid scene depicting a pair of quail
in flight. Kolouch has signed his artwork under the toplever with his initials “WK”. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered three-piece forend with engraved fittings and a pistol grip stock with checkered flats, a blued steel grip cap showing a final gold scene of wading woodcock, and a serrated buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .629/.630 inches; choke constriction .009/.018 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.033 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully embellished by Master Engraver Walter Kolouch, retaining 99% blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with limited handling evidence, a scratch on the left side of the stock just behind the wrist checkering, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 467
Master Walter Kolouch Signed, Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Gebruder Merkel Over/ Under Shotgun - Serial no. 51396, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured/proofed in 1959 and subsequently masterfully embellished
by one of the world’s finest engravers, Master Engraver Walter Kolouch. Blued Bohler Stahl barrels
with dual white dead sights on the matted flat solid rib, Merkel marking on the left of the chamber, standard period German proofs, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and beautiful floral scroll engraving covering the upper chamber and extending in a wedge towards the muzzle. The bolstered scalloped boxlock action displays outstanding floral scrollwork covering nearly the entire surface aside from the exceptionally executed gold inlaid game scenes. The scenes depict a pair of pheasants in flight on the left, a setter on point on the underside, and a pair of mallards just off the water on the right. The scrollwork continues onto the toplever, both tangs, and the triggerguard which shows another gold inlaid scene depicting a pair of Gambel’s quail in flight. Kolouch has signed his artwork under the toplever with his initials “WK”. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted manual safety switch.