MERKEL SUHL 200 E 01 Cal.12/70

Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH was founded in 1898 by the Merkel brothers in Suhl, a town with a gunmaking tradition of more than 400 years. The firm became famous for its luxury break-action guns – side-by-sides, over-and-unders, drillings and express rifles – and is regarded as one of the great German gunmakers. The 200E model was produced mainly in the post-war period, including the years of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It was one of the higher-grade models in the Merkel range of quality side-by-side or over-and-under guns, with an Anson & Deeley action and Greener cross-bolt, automatic ejectors, hand-cut engraving and select walnut. In Merkel nomenclature, the number “200” designates a smoothbore hunting shotgun, while the suffix E indicates automatic ejectors.

The gun pictured is in 12/70 calibre (confirmed by the barrel markings), with 72 cm barrels, ventilated rib, double triggers, automatic ejectors and an approximate weight of 3.1–3.3 kg.

Visually, the gun presents excellently: 97–98% of the barrel blueing remains, the engraving is very well preserved, the wood is in exceptional condition with no significant dents, the metal-to-wood fit is very good, and there is a discreet patina consistent with a lightly used gun. Lock-up is perfect and the bores are impeccable.