2366

$7,187.50

Revised: 3/6/2015 

Please note correction: The gun is a Model 203E, not a 303E. It has a double underlug, not a double underbite as a 303E has.

*VERY FINE CUSTOM STOCKED MERKEL 203 20-GAUGE OVER-UNDER SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER GAME GUN WITH CASE.

SN 36586. Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 26″ Demi-bloc bbls are fitted with solid, matted rib and engraved “Gebruder Merkel” “Suhl” and “Germany” on ejector bosses. Bbls are stamped with Suhl nitro proofs, SN, gauge, and “SPECIAL LAUFSTAHL”, and with a proof date of 12/52. Coin finished double Kersten action is fitted with hand detachable side locks with H&H type takedown pin on right side. Action features non-automatic safety (SAFE engraved), reinforcing bolsters, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and Miller single selective trigger with selector at front. Action is engraved with near full coverage of well cut open shaded scroll with stippled background. “Gebruder Merkel” “Suhl” is on trigger plate. Sidelocks are semi-relief engraved with game scenes; a setter points a pair of flushing pheasant, with another pair dashing into bush, on left, and with a fox vexing four flushing ducks over creek on right. Spectacular, beautifully marbled and figured circassian walnut custom made straight grip buttstock measures 14-5/16″ over plain red Old English rifle pad, and features exceptionally well cut fleur-di-lis type fancy bordered checkering at grip, and a vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching one piece ejector forend has Deeley type release. Bore diameter: top -.627, bottom -.628. Bore restrictions: top -.004 (Skeet), bottom – .002 (Skeet). Minimum wall thickness: top -.040, bottom -.035. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 14-5/16″. New green pebble vinyl Emmebi case with brown leather trim is lined in dark green velvet and has leather Merkel label stitched into lid. Case contains a pair of Merkel marked snap caps and oil bottle with boxes, leather muzzle protector, horn striker block, and 3-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: George Reeb Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain essentially all of a very fine satin re-blue. Action retains nearly all of its orig coin finish with only some light flecking and darkening around bottom. Miller trigger added. Interceptors removed from locks. Fine custom stock retains essentially all of its orig fine rubbed oil finish with a few light marks. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Case is near new with only some light scuffs on exterior. Strap and handle are excellent. Interior cloth has some compressions and a hint of soiling. Accessories are near new. A good looking high grade Merkel. 4-53705 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2366

---

Auction: Firearms - March 2015

---

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

---