doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Pair of Merkel's - needing approx. values

I posted this question on another forum almost 2 years ago without success, so I'm revisting here.

My Dad has given me 2 12 ga. Merkel Suhl shotguns (and O/U & SxS). I know nothing about them except that they are fine shotguns in excellent condition. What would be a 'ballpark' value for these so I can add them to my insurance? I can't seem to find a model number on either gun--completely taken both apart and looked everywhere? Where are the model numbers located? This is all that I can find on them (besides their serial numbers, which are easily identified):
O/U: #81902 : 12 Special Laufstahl Weichlot
SxS: #412481 : 0454 - Spezial Gewehrlaufstahl

Here is a link to the original website posting with detailed pictures:
Gun Pictures

I would suggest posting this request on the German gun subforum here as well. Take the barrels off and take pictures of the stamps on the portion of the barrels that contact the action, and also of the stamps on the action. You should also check if there are any stamps on the lumps (the extensions on the barrels that slide into the slots in the action).

Nice scroll engraving on the sxs - I wished that design was found on more Merkels.

Here are some barrel pic's. Not sure if this helps or not?

SxS:






O/U:

Gebruder Merkel for me is the hardest maker to determine the grade. Raimey Ellenburg, who posts here, is the best that I know of to determine grade & value. What you have here, according to your pictures, appear to be two fairly high grade Merkels, especially the sidelock sxs. Also, Jim Kelly at Darlington Gun Works, is a German trained gunsmith who could probably help you. His phone number is (843) 393-3931,

Best Regards, George

The barrel lump without bolting notch on the stackbarrel says 200e but the engraving seems to belong elsewhere.

jack

Knees,

I would guess the O/U is a 201E and the S/S a 303 but you might want to try Morris Hallowell to see if he ca help ya,here is a link from his site;

http://www.hallowellco.com/traditional_merkel_grades.htm

and some Merkels

http://www.hallowellco.com/european.htm

O/U to my mind 200 or 201 .I have a same just without overlay of the barrels by chrome .Your is more modern could be as mine . very good gun . I have seen 40 at he German shop many years ago with very reasonable price but did not buy . And my friend have modern 40 . But for me that old one was better . Could be I become old .
My an other friend make tuning of my 201 - take of chokes partly as I have to use it for bird hunting . And German guns usually have a very strong chokes . Even showen 0,5 or 1 as at your and you will measure it you could find as it could be 0,8 instead of 0,5 and 1,3 instead of 1 .

ss - could be 40 as will be better to see locks photo of stock with it additionaly .