^Lot 2104 FINE COMPOSED PAIR OF MERKEL MODEL 147SL GAME GUNS

WITH CASE. Cal. 12 Ga. 2-3/4" (both). S# 725854 & 725879. 28" shoe lump barrels are fitted with slightly raised matted game ribs. Tops of barrels are marked with steel type, maker's name and "GDR" address and engraved "Made in East Germany". Barrel flats are stamped with 1974 East German nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Four digit S#s on barrels do not match action S#s and barrels are not interchangeable between actions. Barrels No. "8838" fit action S# 725854; while barrels No. "5168" (proof date "674") fit action S# 725879. There is no other way to distinguish which barrels go where. Importer's name and address (Champlin) is on bottom ribs which are also drilled and tapped for sling loops. Coin finished sidelock actions feature automatic safetys, crossbolt third fasteners, side clips, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators and double triggers. Actions are engraved with some large open scroll with shaded scroll areas on lockplates and bottoms of actions. Maker's name does not appear on actions or lockplates, however trigger plates are stamped with Suhl blacksmith logos. Blued top levers and trigger guards are engraved with simple scroll. Capped pistol grip buttstocks are made from attractively fiddle figured and well marbled European walnut and match each other fairly well. They measure 14-3/8" over "Old English" pads and feature hand cut grip checkering and vacant silver ovals on towlines. Long splinter ejector forends with Deeley releases match butt wood well and have S#s that correctly match actions. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: No. 8838. S# 725854. Bore Diameter: L .719. R .719. Restriction: L .038 (Extra full). R .030 (full). Wall Thickness: L .037. R .033. STOCK: DAH: 2-1/2". DAC: 1-1/2". CAST: neutral. LOP: 14-3/8". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 1.5 oz. BBLS: No. 5168. S# 725879. Bore Diameter: L .719. R .720. Restriction: L .038 (Extra full). R .029 (full). Wall Thickness: L .039. R .032. STOCK: DAH: 2-5/8". DAC: 1-1/2"+. CAST: about 1/4" off. LOP: 14-3/8". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 2 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: guns are housed in what appears to be their original tan canvas 2 gun case with leather corners lined in gold cloth. CONDITION: very fine. Both guns retaining nearly all of their factory finishes on wood and metal with some minor handling and assembly marks also have a few scattered scratches in wood. Bores are bright and shiny. Mechanically crisp. Case is fine with some minor staining and rubs on exterior. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good has some minor staining and rubs. (26-2695 & 26-2696/MGM). CURIO. $6,000-10,000.