Make: Gebruder Merkel Suhl

Model: Combination Gun

Serial Number: 53543

Year of Manufacture: 1960

Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4" Shells over 7x65mmR

Action Type: Boxlock Top-Break, Over/Under Combination Gun with Cocking Indicators, Extractors, Front Single-Set Trigger (rifle)

Barrel Length: 25 1/2"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a folding "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the rib. The rib is cut for quick-detach claw-mounts fitted to the included Hensoldt Wetzlar Diatal-D 6x42 scope with German post reticle. The scope has scattered light wear in the body, a few nicks at the edges, and fairly clear glass, though it could use a good cleaning.

Stock Configuration & Condition/Grip: The stocks are four-piece walnut with a checkered detachable forend, smooth handguards on each side, checkered pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, checkered black buttplate and a sling swivel mounted to the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the barrel forward of the forend). The stocks have even handling wear with scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few tiny losses around the edges. There are no cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/2" and 13 1/4" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the plate. The plate has light wear with some stubborn brown residue in its well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is infrequent light erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 8/10.

Overall Condition: This combination gun retains about 85% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage wear. There are a few light scratches. There is some handling wear on the bottom of the receiver. There are some small spots of oxidization on the barrels. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The action shows light operational wear. Overall, this combination gun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this gun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: This combination rifle comes with the scope described above and a metal box with custom foam-fitted interior.

Our Assessment: The name Merkel has been around in Suhl for more than 200 years, with several different "Merkels" being known for making high quality sporting arms. Gebruder Merkel, today known as Merkel Jagd und Sportwaffen, is the only one which has stood the test of time. Surviving two world wars, Soviet occupation and the East German state, it is still around to this day!

This combination gun was made post-World War II in Suhl under the East German government, but before the construction of the Berlin Wall. It is chambered for 16 gauge shells in the top barrel and 7x65mmR on the bottom. Able to take game and fowl, it makes for a great all-purpose gun to take on a hunt. The barrels also bear the "1Q" monogram, indicating first quality craftmanship. It is interesting that such a high quality sporting arm would come out of a socialist nation in the midst of the Cold War, but it has since been rescued and brought to America. This example is in Very Good condition with normal wear, appearing to have spent its life in the care of responsible sportsmen. It is a beautiful piece that would be perfect for any sportsman who can appreciate its mix of beauty, versatility, and quality. Please see our photos and good luck!