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. Beautifully figured, fancy basket weave checkered three-piece forend with engraved fittings and a pistol grip stock with polymer grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, a roe buck carved into the stock on the left and a red stag and hind on the right, and a leather covered recoil pad. Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 10 lbs. 8 oz. with scope.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% blue, coin, and gold finishes, minor handling evidence, areas showing dried grease, some minor chipping at the lock inlets, and sharp basket weave checkering on the stock and forend. Scope optics are sharp. Mechanically excellent. This is a chance to own a genuine master work from one of Germany's top makers!