Gebruder Merkel Suhl 200 Series Boxlock 28 1/2″ 16 GA O/U Shotgun, 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
WOA#: WY240531GA002
Make: Gebruder Merkel
Model: 200 Series
Serial Number: 25586
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Gauge: 16 Gauge
Action Type: Top Break Boxlock Over/Under Shotgun with Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28 1/2″, Solid Rib
Choke: Full over Improved Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a bead at the front of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, fine-checkered horn buttplate with “GM” monogram and a sling stud in the belly (there is a swivel mounted to the bottom barrel forward of the forend). The stocks have light-moderate handling wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable ding at the toe. The checkering shows handling wear, but is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ and 12 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear with a worm-hole just above the checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some scattered stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The balance is mostly in muting of the receiver’s case color. There is some good color in well protected areas. The barrels have generally strong finish with some small patches of wear. There is wear from the forend which is concealed when assembled. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches and a little minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and properly timed. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action including ejectors functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety does not engage automatically, but functions properly when engaged manually. 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 1938 and is a fine example of their craft. A boxlock 16 gauge over/under, it has tasteful engraving on the receiver, European styling with a straight comb and cheekpiece, forward mounted sling swivel and horn buttplate. This gun may have been made before Merkel’s more contemporary model designations were established, but would fall into the 200 Series, though this one has a one-piece forend instead of the three-piece. This is a beautiful shotgun for someone who appreciates Merkel or European sporting guns, more generally. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
