Carl Bock Gebruder Merkel Bockbuchsflinte 16 GA 7x57mmR Combo Gun, 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,350.00
WOA#: WY240531GA003
Make: Gebruder Merkel
Model: Carl Bock custom Bockbüchsflinte
Serial Number: 24767
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Gauge: 16 GA” over 7x57mmR
Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Combination Rifle/Shotgun with Ejectors & Cocking Indicators
Barrel Length: 25 1/2”
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the rib. The rear sight folds to present either a small or a wide “U”-notch in a base dovetailed to the rib. There are bases for a quick-detach claw-mount on the rear of the rib (no mount included).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The forend has two screw-secured side-pieces with a checkered main portion. THe buttstock has a capped pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, checkered horn buttplate with “GM” monogram and a sling swivel in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the bottom barrel in front of the forend). The right side-piece of the forend has a small loss at the bottom-front edge. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering shows handling wear, but is generally well defined. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ and 13 1/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case color
Finish Originality: We suspect that Carl Bock installed the scope bases. If this was performed after-market, the barrels have been refinished at that time. The finish appears Original, it is possible that Merkel had Bock install the bases.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores, there is a little 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 range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots, most are properly timed. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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, and 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 “Bockbüchsflinte” (o/u combination gun) was made in 1938 and is a fine example of their craft. A boxlock 16 gauge over 7x57mm Rimmed combo gun, it has tasteful engraving on the receiver, European styling with a straight comb and cheekpiece, forward mounted sling swivel and horn buttplate. It is also marked with the name of Carl Bock, a Frankfurt-based gunsmith. It isn’t clear whether Bock was commissioned by Merkel directly or if he worked on the gun after-market, but the bases for a claw-type scope mount are distinctive of Bock’s work (no rings or scope are included). The ability to take both fowl and terrestrial game as well as the intriguing design make for a great, well-rounded hunting gun. It will also make a nice addition to a European sporting gun collection as a neat example of a Merkel combination gun. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
