Description:
Merkel, Year 1952, 20ga, 6lbs 3oz, SN# 36585
Merkel over/under shotguns have been dominating the European market since 1924. Of the various grades offered by this famed manufacturer, the 203E was the first grade in the lineup with full sidelock action, hand-detachable locks, Kirsten cross-bolts, double underlug barrels, beautifully figured European walnut stocks finely checkered, horn grip cap and butt plate, and slender three-piece forend wood. This gun, sn36585 built in 1952, is the LUXUS MODEL POSSESSING DEEPLY CHISELED GAME SCENE ENGRAVING, ORNATE CARVINGS AT THE WRIST ON THE BUTTSTOCK, AND ARTICULATED FRONT TRIGGER. Most gunners are aware that the earlier Merkel guns are superior to any put out in the 21rst century. This Merkel 203E Luxus is in perfect mechanical condition with super-strong ejectors, the triggers are crisp, the barrels are tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun. This gun has barely been fired and shows no signs of wear anywhere. ALL FINISHES ARE AT LEAST 99% AND ARE FACTORY FINISHES…NO RESTORATIONS ANYWHERE ON THE GUN. The deeply chiseled engraving is profuse and fully covers the action, showing fine foliate and oak leaf engraving surrounding encapsulating game scenes. The barrels at the breech are adorned with finely cut oak leaf engraving, as is the trigger guard. The hand-detachable locks are easily removed allowing easy access for cleaning, inspection, and repair. The inletting in the beautifully figured French walnut is done to perfection without a flaw or split anywhere. The wood-to-metal fit is superb and masterfully done. This is a BEST GUN in the way of beauty and workmanship. The modern steel barrels are of the highest quality and able to handle any of the modern factory loads, including any of the soft non-toxic shot readily available today. The 26” barrels are choked Improved Cylinder and Light Modifed…the perfect upland chokes. Using RST spreader loads in the top barrel and you have an incredible grouse gun. The bores are perfect mirror without flaw. The stock dimensions are modern and will fit most. See the specifications below. We can install a fine leather covered pad for those who may need a longer LOP. This gun weighs 6lbs. 3oz. and balances dead on the hinge pin and handles like a much lighter gun. She is amazing in looks and dynamics. There are few of these guns to be found and one in this condition is usually priced at well over $15,000.
Barrel Length: 26''****
Chokes: .011/ .023 Improved Cylinder/Improved Modified****
Bores: perfect****
Bore Diameter: .628/ .628****
Wall Thickness: .038/ .036 ****
% Blue: 99% factory****
Chambers: 2 3/4"****
Ribs: tight****
Sights: Front ivory bead****
Action: tight, right of center****
Ejectors or Extractors: ejectors, timed****
Receiver Condition: French Grey 100%****
Screws: perfect****
Engraving: oak leaf/game scene; full coverage, deep chiseled****
Trigger Type: double- crisp, ARTICULATED****
Trigger Guard Color: 99% blue, 70% engraving cover, crisp****
Type: capped pistol grip/3 piece forend****
LOP: 14 1/2"****
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 3/16"****
DAH: 2 11/16"****
DAC: 1 1/2"****
Cast: Heel 5/16"off, Toe 3/8"off****
Checkering Condition: perfect, fine, sharp oak leaf carvings****
Butt Treatment: horn buttplate****
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. Call us for full details, or to purchase. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
Merkel
Model:
36585
Caliber:
20 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher.)
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.
Sales Tax: Collected in AR, IL, KS, MI, PA, TN
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $225.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. We ship internationally with additional fees!
Item Condition: Used
Requires FFL?: Yes
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
