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1936 Merkel Model 201-E O/U Combo Rifle/Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,750.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,000.00 USD
1936 Merkel Model 201-E O/U Combo Rifle/Shotgun
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
1936 Merkel Model 201-E Over/Under Combination Rifle and Shotgun Set, #22731, with blue finish Bohler-Stahl 16 ga. 70mm x 7x57mmR Mauser cal. combination barrels and 16 ga. x 16 ga. 70mm shotgun barrels (combination barrels have a Full choke and are 25-3/4'' with a small ''U'' notch rear sight and narrow blade front sight on a 5/16'' tapered matted rib. Barrels have factory European tunnel claw mounts with a Hensoldt Wetzlar Dural-Dialytan 4x scope, serial numbered 38682, having a three-post dot and crosshair reticle. Shotgun barrel set has Full chokes and is 28-1/4'' with front and middle white beads and blank filled dovetail real sight notch on a 5/16'' tapered matted rib. Both barrel sets have Nitro and ''(crown)/U'' proofs with ''236'' date codes and the initials ''D.R.P.'' on bottom of front barrel lugs. The case-colored Blitz action has double triggers with a set trigger for lower barrel, manual top tang safety, double crossbolts, ejectors, cocking indicator pins and horn triggerguard. Action features full coverage fine scroll and game scene engraving with hound and wild boar on the left side and ducks in flight over a pond on the right; the maker's name is in a banner on floorplate; right edge of frame has a ''(crown)/U'' proof and ''147''. Pistol-grip stock and three-piece forend are lightly figured walnut with a varnished finish and 28 LPI checkering. Stock has a slightly arched comb and hunting shadowline cheekpiece with a drop at comb of 1-1/2'', drop at heel of 2-5/8'' and 14-1/4'' length of pull over a 3/4'' White Line ventilated recoil pad. Toe line has a spring release four-cartridge trap engraved with light scrolls and a roe deer cameo on the cover. High-relief engraved pistol grip cap has the initials ''HH'' intertwined in two styles of medieval Gothic script, sling swivels are 3/4'', assembled weight is 8 lbs. with the combination barrels and 6-1/4 lbs. with the shotgun barrels. Mechanical condition is excellent with tight bolting and rigid scope mounting. Action face shows use mainly on the lower barrel; all bores are bright with beginning patchy oxidation, rifling is sharp at the muzzle and slightly diminished at the throat, ejection mechanism is slightly weak. Barrel blue is 97% with scattered scratches, small impressions, and a small dent on left side of lower shotgun barrel ahead of middle bead. Frame has minor high edge chipping and the case colors have largely faded to a silver patina, with traces of blue finish on top lever and cartridge trap cover. Scope optics are excellent with chipping and crazing in the scope enamel; Stock has a light revarnish with overall fine scratching and a series of dents along right side of upper tang; forend checkering is partially dented and flattened, recoil pad has hardened. The set is contained in a later Spanish pigskin double leg-o-mutton case. Est.: $3,500-$5,000. (C&R)