doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion German & Austrian Sporting Guns @ doublegunshop.com Pair of Merkels--need a ballpark value

I posted this question on the general discussion, but it was suggested I post to this section too.

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

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

SxS:






O/U:

I beleive the O/U is a Model 203 E with a proof date of Feb 1972 & the SxS is a 447 SL with a proof date of Nov 1981. You will not find any model numbers that I am aware of on postwar Merkels.

The best way to get an idea of retail price is to look at the asking price for comperable guns for sale on web sites such as gunsinternational.

Thanks. I must say this is odd. I know zero about Merkel's other than they're fine shotguns. Everyone seems to think the O/U is a model 203E, however I've been told the SxS is possibly 3 different models, 447 SL being most probable. I've tried contact Merkel-USA in the past and given them the serial numbers, but with no success.

The February 1972 proofed one is a 1st quality and utilizes the Merkel patented Weichlot method of joining the tubes. I assume it has ejectors?

The November 1991 proofed Geco stampted SxS with H&H style locks and pipe style side frame reforcement is a Model 60E and I assume that was under unification of Germay. Is the tubeset length 68cm or 71cm? I'm sure you can get a copy of the ledger from Merkel to supply you with info.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Sorry, I made a mistake. The O/U is a 201 E. I was thinking 201 E but wrote 203E. The 203 E is a sidelock O/U.

The SxS is exactly the same as a 447SL shown in a 2003 Merkel catalog described as a 47 SL series with small English-Style arabesque scroll. Yours is the same right down to the bbl wedge engraving.

Yes, it has ejectors. How would I determine the tubeset length on the SxS?

EDIT: I did a little searching & my SxS has an English stock. so would it be a 61E instead of 60E?

Ok, so it's either a 61E or a 447SL. I sent another request to Merkel-USA, hopefully I can get some further information on it.
I really appreciate all the help on here!

Measure from the breech to the muzzle end; dimensions in inches are fine. I think I would contact Merkel in Germany directly. Jani might have some insight into the protocol. Is the proof date on the SxS an "1181" 1981 or "1191" 1991? There's also a lot of serial numbers between the 2 examples. Are both stamped Gebr�der Merkel? Also I thought that 447 series had the Model stamped either on the upper rib or triggerguard bow. Do you have an image of the steel types? The SxS have the Russian IZH 50A steel. Also I would search for a period Merkel catalogue. With the GECO(Gustav Genschow) stamp, I wonder what part that concern, or Dynamit Nobel Troisdorf, played?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Weichlot Patent info.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse