Engraved Merkel 147E 147-E 28″ Briley Choke 20 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 2013
SOLD FOR: $3725
LSB#: 220212TM003
Make: Merkel
Model: 147E
Serial Number: 388636
Year of Manufacture: November, 2013 (11BD date code)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3″ Chamber
Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger (inertial) and Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel is marked “SAI, Trussville AL / Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH / Suhl/Germany”, the right is marked “147E 20 Ga”. The bottom of the barrel rib is marked “7026”. The barrel flats are marked with a series of German proofs, “11BD” date code, “MERKEL” and the serial number. The top of the forend iron is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked with the serial number and a German proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked with “MERKEL”. The receiver has relief scroll engraving with fowl scenes on each side. The engraving motif is continued on the guard and forend iron.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The barrels are threaded for Briley chokes with Improved Modified and Improved Cylinder installed, Full, Modified, Light Modified and Skeet are also included along with a choke wrench.
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., 12.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic Merkel buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks in the wood. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with a crack at the bottom mounting screw extending to the right edge. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition and would easily rate Excellent but for the crack in the buttplate.
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 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks and faint operational wear. 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: This shotgun comes with the extra chokes and wrench in a plastic briley snap-top case and with a pair of snap cap/chamber mops.
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 2013 and exudes quality. From its sculpted action with relief engraved fowl scenes to its deep blue and bright coin finish to its solid lockup and excellent balance, this shotgun is a wonder to behold. Chambered for 20 gauge and threaded for the improved Briley chokes with trim splinter forend and capped 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!