Gebhard Liebscher Engraved Merkel 147E 147-E 28″ 16 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $4,000
LSB#: 200118JH02
Make: Merkel
Model: 147E
Serial Number: 382126
Year of Manufacture: 1999 (KK Date Code)
Gauge: 16 Gauge 2 3/4″ Chamber
Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel is import marked “GSI Inc. T’ville AL / GEBR MERKEL SUHL / MADE IN GERMANY”, the right is marked with a Krupp logo and “Krupp Stahl”. The bottom of the barrel rib is marked “4” and “K4085”. The barrel flats are marked with a series of German proofs, “KK” date code and the serial number. The top of the forend iron is marked with the last five digits of the serial number. The water table is marked with the serial number and a German proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked with a stylized blacksmith over “SUHL”. The receiver has extensive engraving with fowl scenes on the sides and fine matting on the top. The left of the receiver is marked “G.L.” (Gebhard Liebscher).
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Left: Improved Cylinder, Right: Cylinder, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead mounted to the front of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb., 15.5 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic Merkel buttplate. The stocks have minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/2″ and 13 1/2″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels have a few scattered light marks, the most notable a scratch on the right barrel near the muzzle and another on the right barrel about 6″ from the breech. There is minor operational wear on the bearing surfaces. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The action locks up with no play to the receiver. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The name Merkel has been around in Suhl for more than 200 years, with several different “Merkels” being known for making high quality sporting arms. Gebrüder Merkel, today known as Merkel Jagd und Sportwaffen, is the only one which has stood the test of time. Surviving two world wars, Soviet occupation and the East German state, it is still around to this day! This double barrel shotgun was made in 1999 and exudes quality. From its sculpted action with sideclip fences to its deep blue and bright coin finish, from its cocking indicators to the gorgeous engraving of Master Engraver Gebhard Liebscher which continues onto the properly timed screw-heads, this shotgun is a wonder to behold. Chambered for 16 gauge and choked Improved Cylinder and Cylinder bore with trim splinter and straight grip stocks, this will make for a great skeet or upland bird gun for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. Please see our photos and good luck!