Merkel Suhl Model 47E 16 Gauge 28″ SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2,425.00
LSB#: LSB250519KS017
Make: Merkel Suhl
Model: 47E
Serial Number: 380768
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 16 Gauge (2 ¾” Shells)
Action Type: Side-by-Side Double Barrel, Boxlock, Dual Trigger, Extractor
Barrel Length: 28”. 28.5” with factory fixed choke constriction
Choke: Left Barrel: Improved Cylinder, Right Barrel: Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the solid, swamped rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is in a 2 piece wood configuration featuring a straight comb, plastic buttplate, checkered straight wrist and checkered forend. The LOP is 14.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are light handling marks present. The stock rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued / Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion or pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the . The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are clear and well defined. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Merkel 47E is a classic German boxlock side-by-side shotgun produced by the renowned Gebrüder Merkel company in Suhl, East Germany. Known for their fine craftsmanship and exceptional handling, Merkel doubles—especially the pre-unification models—are widely sought after by upland hunters and European shotgun collectors alike. The 47E occupies a desirable spot in Merkel’s catalog as a hand-fitted field gun with features typically seen on higher-end models, including well-executed case coloring and hand-cut checkering.
This example is chambered in 16 Gauge, a gauge prized for its light weight and ideal shot patterning for upland birds. With 28″ barrels, dual triggers, and classic chokes, it’s well-suited for both field use and casual clays. The extractor setup keeps it simple and traditional, just as you’d expect from a European field gun. The swamped rib, horn grip cap, and horn buttplate add further to its elegance.
For the discerning sportsman or collector, this Merkel 47E offers Old World quality and aesthetics at a fraction of the cost of bespoke English doubles. Whether you’re taking it into the field or preserving it as part of a fine European collection, this 16 gauge Merkel represents an exceptional value in classic double guns. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
