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Lot 312:Pair of Engraved Gebruder Merkel Model 303EL Shotguns

May 13th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Lot 312:Pair of Engraved Gebruder Merkel Model 303EL Shotguns

May 13th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$12,000 - $18,000

A) Gebruder Merkel Model 303EL Shotgun

Blued steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the flat matted solid rib which are marked with a gold inlaid "1" and "2" respectively, attractive floral scroll engraving around the breech sections, 2006 dated German proofs, front sling swivels, import marks under the forends, and 76 mm chambers. Both guns have grey finished hand detachable sidelock actions displaying beautiful floral scroll engraving surrounding highly detailed game scenes on either lockplate and "GEBR. MERKEL SUHL" in a banner on the underside. The "A" gun shows a setter flushing a pheasant and a pair of hares in a wooded scene on the left, and the right has a hawk swooping down on four mallards in a marsh scene, while the "B" gun has a pointer flushing a trio of pheasants in a wooded scene on the left and a fox startling up four mallards on the right. The scroll engraving continues onto the toplevers, tangs, and the triggerguards which are marked with a gold "1" and "2" respectively. The guns feature single selective triggers and tang mounted manual safety switches. Both are mounted with beautifully figured, multi-point checkered three-piece forends with engraved fittings, including the Deeley latch releases, and pistol grip stocks with black polymer grip caps, blank gold inscription ovals, and leather covered recoil pads. Included is a leather trimmed double gun takedown case containing four nickel snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.7 mm (.736 inches) and measured .730/.729 inches; choke constriction .017/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.036 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 7 oz.

ConditionExcellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and grey finishes, limited handling evidence, a few tiny handling marks on the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is excellent with minor wear. Mechanically excellent.

Details

ManufacturerMerkel Gebruder

Model303el

TypeShotgun

Serial number

ClassModern Long Gun

Caliber / Gauge12

Barrel28 inch solid rib

Finishblue/grey

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page227

B) Gebruder Merkel Model 303EL Shotgun

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.7 mm (.736 inches) and measured .730/.729 inches; choke constriction .016/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .035/.036 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 9 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

ConditionExcellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and grey finishes with limited handling evidence, a few tiny handling marks in the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.