Manufactured in 1943. This is an excellent example of a wartime Merkel shotgun. The left side plate has deep relief engraving of a dog with three pheasants, one of which is taking flight in a woodland scene. The right side plate has two deer grazing and three ducks approaching to land in a woodland and pond scene. The tangs, bolsters, forearm hardware, sides of the barrel at the breech and underside of the receiver have oakleaf and accorn designs. The bottom of the receiver is marked in banner "SUHLER WAFFENWERK/GEBRUDER MERKEL SUHL". The underlug is marked "D.R.P.". Front sling swivel on the bottom of the barrels. Cocking indicators on each side plate, a tang mounted safety with double triggers. The underside of barrel is marked "943" indicating manufacture in September of 1943, "eagle/N" proof mark, serial number "27762"/"BOHLER symbol STAHL"/unreadable marking. The front sight is a white bead, choked extra full/extra full with 2 3/4 inch chambers and ejectors. Mounted on a nicely figured, multi-point checkered three-piece walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with horn grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling swivel and horn buttplate. Length of pull is 14 1/2 inches. With a leather bound takedown hardcase with brass corner protectors lined in green felt with an Abercrombie & Fitch label inside.

Excellent. The shotgun retains 98% plus of the blue and silver grey finish with very faint marks from handling and storage. The wood is also excellent with a few marks and very small dings from handling and storage. The case and lining are excellent with very light wear and a small area of water spotting on the lid.