GUN SN. 27660. Cal. 16gax7.57. Fascinating and rare war time Nazi proofed high grade combination gun made with 25-3/4” Bohler Steel brls, 2-1/2” chambers, that have raised solid matted rib. Rib with small buckhorn rear sight and blade front sight. Brl lumps nicely floral engraved. Left brl hand engraved “GEBRUDER MERKEL SUHL” and right brl “SUHLER WAFFENWERK”. Bottom of brls with Nazi proof and date “11/43”. Gun built with 3 piece forend which is checkered in point pattern and has nearly full coverage engraved Deeley latch release and iron. Full sidelock receiver is wonderfully full coverage relief engraved. Left side with four deer in heavily detailed forest scene on the run. Bottom of frame and trigger plate is near full coverage floral engraved with banner at center with makers name. Right side with fox at rear and seven pheasants flushing in fully detailed forest scene. Gun built with double under lug and crossbolt locking system. Top of frame, top lever, and top tang are shaded floral engraved. Large long tang horn trigger guard and ebony capped pistol grip buttstock. Gun made with double triggers, auto ejectors, non-auto safety. Beaded cheek piece capped pistol grip buttstock checkered in point pattern through the wrist and terminates with is original Merkel monogrammed beaded horn buttplate. Bottom of brl and toe line of stock with original sling Mounts. WEIGHT: 6lbs. 11oz. Bore Diameter: .676(T). Bore Restriction: .046(T). LOP: 14-1/8”.

Excellent as found. Brls with 95-97% of their factory rust blue. Forearm is very good to excellent with minor handling marks and beginning chipping on right side as well as a 1-3/4” grain split at muzzle end. Frame with sharp engraving and only beginning minor staining noted at carry point. Buttstock is sound and excellent with only minor impressions retaining most all of its original finish. Impressions at toe and very small chip on buttplate at toe. Buttplate with worm holes but generally excellent. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Mechanics are very good though shotgun ejector is live. Screws are near perfect and untouched. Finding high grade war time built game guns is extremely difficult and this one is quite choice. C&R.