^Lot 180a Simson Sidelock O/U 12 Ga #231774

Exceptional Simson Suhl Engraved German 12 Gauge Over Under Shotgun. (Simson is a private label of Merkel from the same Suhl factory, Simsons are a well priced Merkel). 28 1/4" blued low profile vent rib barrels with brass sighting bead and small brass mid-bead. 2 3/4" chambers, fixed chokes measure 'CYL. Rib marked "Simson, Suhl. (Thuringen)", left barrel marked "Spezial-Gewehrlaufstahl". (Special rifle barrel steel). Receiver and barrels stamped with post-war German proofs, crown "U", "W", "N" and Suhl shield proof dated 1263 (December, 1963). Double Kersten locks that uses two crossbolts. Automatic ejectors, the controls and triggerguard are blue. Beautiful elaborate high relief hand engraving throughout the scalloped coin finished receiver with red stag hunting scene on left, pheasants with pointer dogs in pursuit on right, German oak leaf scrolling, and bird scenes on trigger guard and geese in flight on bottom of receiver, engraving continues up the barrel. This is some of the finest German engraving we have seen in recent years. Single selective trigger with barrel selector to the right of the trigger, cocking indicators on side plates, sliding tang safety, all screws are perfectly turned in same direction. Very nice stocked dark wood with fine diamond checkered panels on the grip & forearm, grip cap, thin vented Pachmayr recoil pad with black & white spacers and 3 piece forearm, shadow line right hand cheek rest, underside of buttstock inletted for sling swivel. The bores are excellent/bright, the wood and finish are excellent. Overall mechanically excellent with the exception of the center screw is missing from the left sideplate rendering the cocking indicator inoperable. The only other flaw is a small dent on the rib at the muzzle to the top left of the sighting bead. All serial numbers are matched. Lop-14 1/4", Dac-1 1/2" and Dah-2 1/4". Comes with vintage black leather form fitted S.H.K. case lined in maroon felt with keys, brass nameplate on lid, carrying strap is broken. Shotgun would be excellent if not for the missing screw.
NRA Condition-Fair/Screw. C&R Firearm.