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LOT 1396
Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Gebruder Merkel Model 303E Sidelock Ejector Over/Under Shotgun with Case and Documentation - Serial no. 95297,
12 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1975. Blued Spezial Laufstahl barrels with single white bead sight on the matted vent rib, standard Merkel markings, 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors, and German proofs. The coin
finished hand detachable sidelock action displays beautiful, deep chiselled thistle
designs surrounding highly detailed gold inlaid game scenes on either lockplate.
The left lock shows a German pointer flushing a trio of pheasants in a wooded scene
with the three birds in flight, and the right shows a setter in pursuit of a pair of hares
in a woodland scene with both hares fleeing. The trigger guard and release lever are
both pierced through with intricate thistle designs with more thistles on the tangs,
earning this gun its moniker “The Thistle Gun”. Single selective trigger and manual
tang safety. Beautiful, exhibition quality, multi- point checkered three piece forend
with matching thistle engraved fittings and Deeley latch release and the semi-pistol grip stock
with grip cap, cheekpiece, and yet more thistle engraving on the skeleton buttplate over the checkered bare butt. This gun is said to have won a gold award at the 1975 Leipzig Exhibition. Includes a leather bound takedown case and a copy of the factory data sheet on this gun. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech .725/.727 inches; choke constriction .029/.039 inches; minimum wall thickness .035/.032 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 10 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is also excellent with a few minor scratches and sharp checkering. The case is very fine with light storage type wear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
LOT 1397
Factory Game Scene Engraved Gebruder Merkel Model 203E Over/Under Shotgun with Extra Barrel Set - Serial no. 79586, 20 gauge, 28 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1972. Blued special laufstahl barrels with single white bead sight on the matted vent rib, standard Merkel markings, and 3 inch chambers with automatic
ejectors. The coin finished hand detachable sidelock action features floral scroll
engraving around game scenes on either lockplate. The left shows a stag with
two hinds in a forested scene, and the right shows a spaniel flushing a covey of
partridge in a field. The scroll engraving continues onto the trigger guard, barrel
release, and tangs. Double triggers and tang mounted manual safety switch.
Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered three piece forend with engraved
fittings including the Deeley latch release and semi-pistol grip stock with grip
cap, cheekpiece, and red rubber recoil pad. Includes an extra matching set of 26 inch barrels
chambered in 20 gauge over .243 Winchester that features factory claw style scope mounts.
Barrel measurements for the extra set: 3 inch chambers; bore diameter 9 inches from the breech
.631 inches; choke constriction .025 inches; minimum wall thickness .031 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for main set (U/O): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both measure .622 inches; choke constriction .015/.019 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.036 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 3/4 inch drop at heel; 15 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 12 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes, limited handling evidence, a few tiny marks in the wood, empty rear sling swivel hole, and sharp checkering. The extra barrel set is also excellent. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
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