Merkel 140 African Safari Series No 15 .470 Nitro Express Double Rifle 2007
SOLD FOR: $11,025.00
WOA# WY240626CB033
Make: Merkel
Model: 140, African Safari Series No. 15
Serial Number: A470641
Year of Manufacture: August, 2007 (8AH date code)
Caliber: .470 Nitro Express
Action Type: Boxlock, Side by Side, Dual Trigger, Double Rifle with Extractor & Cocking Indicators
Barrel Length: 23 1/2? (60cm), Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to a textured, ramped base integral to the front of the rib. The rear sight is an express-style sight with a fixed “U”-notch, two folding “U”-notch leaves and one folding leaf with no notch in a base dovetailed to the front of the quarter-rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb with European-style cheekpiece, black rubber Merkel buttpad with plastic heel-cap and a sling swivel in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the bottom rib in front of the forend). The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. 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 pad. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent faint oxidation and some stubborn fouling in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is infrequent minor oxidation, mostly on the right breech-face and the screw-heads of the grip cap. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a serial-matching cardboard Merkel box, manual, and a Browning Presentation Gun Case.
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 is a wonderful example of the quality Merkel is known for, a Model 140 African Safari Series No. 15. It is a double-rifle chambered for the potent .470 Nitro Express cartridge, a classic safari round. The rifle has blued octagonal barrels and a coin receiver, set off nicely by beautiful scroll engraving and a gold game head on the receiver. The action locks up like a bank vault and the bores are still in good shape. The rifle doesn’t appear to have seen much use, itself in overall Fine-Excellent condition. For those who are familiar with double rifles, you’ll be happy with this masterpiece. The rifle comes with a nice case for storage and transport, and is ready for your next safari. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
