Barrel length 71 cm (28"), stock length 37 cm (14,50"), overall length 113 cm (44,5"), choke 1/2 & 3/4 (M & IM), weight 3,1 kg, year of manufacture 1998, German proof, condition 1
Krupp steel barrels with enhanced proofing, barrel base engraved with arabesques, engine-turned rib, brass front sight, ejectors, automatic sliding tang safety, double trigger with articulated front blade, gray bascule with notch lock, manually removable back-action sidelocks, sear bars, cocking indicators, engraved with scenes of hound with partridges on left and fox with snipe on right surrounded by arabesque engraving, signed "O. Weiß", dark grained walnut stock, oval cheek piece, Pommel grip, synthetic horn butt plate, fine checkering, three piece fore-end with Deeley latch, in original maker's box incl. papers and original oiled paper.
In Suhl, Thuringia, known for weapons manufacturing, the brothers Oskar, Karl Paul and Gebhard Merkel founded the company Gebrüder Merkel Suhl in 1898. Like many other factories located in the city, they produced various hunting weapons but also armament components. After the end of the Second World War, the company suffered the same fate as many other factories in Suhl; production was either discontinued or nationalized, the latter happened at Merkel. Business continued under the name VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk "Ernst Thälmann". This was a so-called Volkseigene Betrieb of the GDR. After German reunification, the company underwent various phases of change, restructuring and ownership. Today, it produces modern hunting rifles with a new setup. While a number of traditional gun manufacturers left Suhl, Merkel today remains in the well-known gunsmithing town. Prominent features of Suhl hunting rifles are above all ornate box reinforcements, curved bascule and the frequent use of the Kersten crossbolt. The Merkel Group includes the Simson and Haenel brands, among others.

Category: Shotguns