Merkel Model 220E 200-E 28″ Full/IM 12 GA O/U Over Under Shotgun, 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210424MA22
Make: Gebrüder Merkel Suhl
Model: We believe this is a model 220E, it is not marked with a model number.
Serial Number: 67384
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Choke: Full over Improved Modified, fixed.
Action Type: O/U Over-Under Boxlock Dual Trigger Double Greener (Kersten) Cross-Bolt Top Break Shotgun with Cocking Indicators
Markings: The left of the barrel set at the rear has “GEBRUDER MERKEL / SUHL”. The bottom of the bottom barrel is marked “67384 / 12 / BOHLER STAHL / Weichlot” with East German proof marks behind the forend lug. In front of the forend lug, the barrel is import-marked “MMBI MYERSVILLE MD”. The left of the barrel lug has a “1Q” Merkel 1st Quality marking. The bottom-left of the monoblock has East German proofs and “169” date code. The inside of the forend iron is marked “67384”. The left shoulder of the receiver is marked “67384”, the right with East German proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “SUHL” and with their trademark. The receiver has decorative engraving with motif on the barrel set and forend iron. The right of the buttstock has a K-Zimmermann Luzern sticker, possibly from a Swiss retailer.
Barrel Length: 28″, Vent-Rib
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb., 9.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, checkered black plastic buttplate, and a sling swivel in the belly (there is another mounted to the bottom barrel forward of the forend). The forend is three pieces with a detachable checkered bottom portion and smooth panels on each side above this, secured by screws. The stocks show light handling wear with a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ and 12 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe with well defined checkering. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″ and drop at heel 2 3/8″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable in the bottom of the receiver and the raised fences. The barrels have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with light wear from the forend which is concealed when assembled. The guard has strong finish with only minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear and there is light handling wear on the controls. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. The ejectors function properly. The cocking indicators are located on each side of the receiver at the rear. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened, but functions properly when set manually. We have not fired this gun. 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 Merkel 12 gauge over-under shotgun was made post-World War II in Suhl under the East German government. It is interesting that such a high quality sporting arm would come out of a socialist nation in the midst of the Cold War, Merkel was one of the only factories in Suhl left intact by the Soviet occupiers, with their sporting guns being sent East as war reparations. This gun has since been rescued and brought to America. It is in about Fine condition with only light handling wear, appearing to have spent its life in the care of responsible sportsmen. It is a beautiful gun that would be perfect for any sportsman who can appreciate its mix of beauty and quality. Please see our photos and good luck!