Merkel Stiegele Boxlock 16 GA 29.5″ Full O/U Double Shotgun, 1912-1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE148
Make: MERCO (Merkel, Albert Oskar & Co.) for Carl Stiegele
Model: Boxlock Superposed Double Gun
Serial Number: 3451
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1912-1939
Gauge: 16 Gauge
Action Type: Top Break Boxlock Over/Under Shotgun with Extractor, Cocking Indicators & Front Set-Trigger
Barrel Length: 29 1/2?, Solid Rib
Choke: Both Full, both Fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored-bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The forend is three-piece with two side pieces secured by screws and a removable bottom portion which has a horn inlay at the nose. The buttstock has a capped pistol grip, horn trigger guard, diamond-shaped ebony inlays on each side of the wrist, straight comb with European-style shadow-line cheekpiece, ventilated brown rubber White Line recoil pad, and a sling swivel mounted in the belly. There is another sling swivel mounted on the bottom barrel in front of the forend. The left cheek of the wrist has “FR / BG” hand-scribed. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few small, but deeper dings. There are a few tiny losses at edges. There are no cracks. The checkering shows handling wear, but is generally well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/2″ and 13 1/2″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 13 3/8″ and 12 3/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad shows light wear, but has hardened significantly with age. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 8-9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most 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 a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few spots of surface erosion, most notable on the right of the top barrel over the forend, the bottom barrel just in front of the forend lug, and the right shoulder of the receiver. 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 functions correctly including the front set-trigger. 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. MERCO, an abbreviation of Merkel, Albert Oskar & Co., founded in 1912 and continuing production through WWII. This double barrel shotgun was made during the interwar years for the firm of Carl Stiegele 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 properly timed screws. It appears it may have originally come with a second barrel set, either a double rifle or a combination gun, based on the front set-trigger. In any case, it is a fine example of a 16 gauge double gun from one of Germany’s best makers. This is a beautiful shotgun for someone who appreciates Merkel or European sporting guns, more generally. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud