Don’t be afraid of this double. I know it’s an old German OU with two features Americans shy away from (a cheekpiece and sling swivels), but I guarantee you it’s a nice shotgun. PA Auction Center in Quarryville, PA, has it and the live auction begins Saturday, Jan 19, 2019, @ 11:00 AM Eastern.
Merkel is one of the world’s oldest gunmakers, and, in a lot of ways, they initiated the creation of the modern OUs we shoot today.
According to the seller, this Merkel was built in 1937. That’s when the company’s gunmaking skills were near their peak, and OUs from that era are incredibly well made. They were also expensive. In their day, even lower-grade Merkels like this cost more than most Foxes, Parker, or L.C. Smiths.
Lot #277 – Merkel 201E Pre-War 12 Ga: Over-and-under with auto ejectors, full choke, solid rib, boxlock, double trigger, ivory bead, elaborately engraved frame, raised cheekpiece stock, 28 1/2″ barrel, SN 24844. Made in 1937. 14 1/4″ LOP. Includes a copy of the production card. Condition: Some normal wear but in overall great condition. Mirror bores.
