Bernd Becher Master Engraved Merkel 280EL Petite 28 GA SXS Double Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $6550
LSB#: 230523PB002
Make: Merkel
Model: 280 EL Petite, Master Engraved No. 61 of 100
Serial Number: 383225
Year of Manufacture: 2000, 1st Year Production
Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 3/4″
Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Improved 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: 5 lb., 7.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with splinter forend, English straight grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic Merkel buttplate. There is an initial plate in the belly which has been engraved with “PPB” (arranged pBp). The stocks have light handling wear with some scattered minor nicks and light scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ 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 3/8″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is a little stubborn fouling in the choked section at the muzzles. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is a little minor erosion on the face of the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at the muzzles and there is light handling wear in the guard. There is some minor oxidation on the forend latch assembly. The bottoms of the barrels have minor wear from the forend, concealed when assembled. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine 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 a green cardboard Merkel box with serial-matching label, original packing material, manual, Merkel luggage case, three-piece cleaning rod, Abercrombie & Fitch marked oiler, leather handguard extension and two snap-caps.
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! While most any Merkel is special, there are of course some which are more special than others and this is just such a Merkel.
One of 100 of the 280EL Petites produced in the first year, the gun has beautiful game scene relief engravings signed by Master Engraver Bernd Becher. The engraving is set off by richly figured deluxe walnut stocks surrounding the coin finished receiver. Chambered for 28 gauge, the gun’s petite frame brings it in just under five and a half pounds with 28″ barrels choked Modified and Improved Cylinder. This double barrel shotgun exudes quality and appears to have seen some gentle use in the field. Once you get this gun in your hands, you’ll understand why! The gun handles easily and is well balanced. It will make a wonderful gun for a hunter who appreciates the finer things in life. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
