The German Government used to subsidize labor costs to the tune of 50%.
When the wall came down, that stopped. Suddenly, the Merkel guns- those upon which The Merkel legend was built cost the company ...twice as much.
That was the major reason they folded.
One attempt after another failed to resurrect the old Merkel company, so... the name and rights were sold. A couple of times.
Current offerings under the name "Merkel" are a mere resemblance of the older Merkels. There is no comparison in the quality. Quality is inherent. The old ones had it, thus, became a Legend. The new ones pale Greatly in comparison, coming the closest, only in general appearance.
I suspect those who would consider that to be a matter of opinion, may be biased in their opinion because they own a newer offering. But quality is inherent, not a matter of opinion.
Those which are earlier are a silk purse, current offerings, just a mere resemblance.
