Dave Schiller in March 2021 found answers at the DG BBS to his Suhl proofed 20 GA 147 that is virtually identical to my
recently obtained 20 GA 3 in chambered Merkel SXS. Except that the manuf. dates are a different type number/letter code. My nitro V proof Suhl stamping
is also identical.
If my Merkel is stamped 10 KE between the proof marks, when was it made? Maybe October of ??? (also between the barrels underside, between the ejectors and lug are numbers 4512. Barrel #s, as they are not SN- related to the shotgun SN ?).

Thanks in advance

Lt Col Ridge Marriott

I have a German date code list giving A through K for the numbers 0-9. (8 can be either I or J.) So 10 KE would be Oct 94. However, a note on my sheet says that's only for 2000 and later.

Thanks.
I think the Merkel 147 of DS was also plainly stamped on the water table and in the middle 90s. (2 94) Feb of 1994. Unlike mine.
This code however on my water table would either indicate a later-or possibly earlier shotgun build date,
as Merkel revised their code. Maybe Oct of 2004-UNLESS this is a different Model with possibly another code. Not likely based just on model.

This 20 GA Merkel is either a 147 or (possibly a 1620-doubtful).
At any rate, BBL length is 27 in, IC-M; SS trigger; straight stock-oil finished. Minimum engraving. It is possible that it is a 16-yr old gun, or older.
Color case receiver shows aging and use.

Might you pleasure us with an image of the water-table & the touchmarks?

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

If you have a standard 16ga Merkel with which to compare, you can very easily eliminate the possibility that it's a 1620. That's a 16ga built on a 20ga receiver. As a result, there will be a lot less metal around the chambers (in order to mate up with a 20ga receiver) than there is on a gun made as a true 16ga.

And that is how new it is to me. A 147 it is -as it is a 20 Gauge. My ancient computer allows
virtually nothing in the way of camera work. If you saw DS 3/21 exchange, mine is identical
EXCEPT for the 10 KE code.

It DOES have an issue with the selective trigger: pushed to the Left, RT barrel fires first, then second.
If pushed to the Right, LT barrel fires first, but Right barrel will not fire or function.
There may be some crud or dust in the SS trigger/action that is causing this. The ejectors and safety function well.
This Merkel had been sitting for a good while in a safe.

A VERY thorough additional cleaning might mend its ways. Thoughts from Merkel owners?

10 KE is October of 1994, right?