serial #18605, 16 ga. by 8x57JR, 26” Boehlerstahl barrels, top choked full, with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain perhaps 90% original dark gray-blue, with scattered light oxidation, some even fading and wear to pewter at the muzzles. There are a few very light, very minor handling marks here and there and there is a minor impact mark at the front left of the rib. The frame shows only very light borderline embellishments and retains perhaps 75% original color case-hardening, the balance toning to a dull pewter case-hardened patina with scattered light oxidation staining, primarily on the belly of the frame. The checkered capped pistolgrip English walnut buttstock would rate otherwise very good were it not for a repaired crack through the left and right side of the upper tang, they currently will flex and will need to be addressed before the arm is used. The wood was refinished at the time of the repair which has left some of the edges slightly soft and the metal proud. It features a flared convex shadowline style cheekpiece, horn pistolgrip cap and a length of pull of 13 1/2” to the grooved hard rubber buttplate. The forend rates very good-fine, also has neatly refinished. The front trigger is a single set is and the arm is sighted with a silver bead front sight, the pivoting rear with a u-notch and fitted to the rib are a set of see-through quick detach telescopic sight bases. The soldered rings support a Gerard Landlicht Model 0, 4X telescopic sight with heavy three post German reticle and bright excellent optics which show a couple little occlusions. The scope rates very good to fine with much original blue and some light spots of oxidation. Lockup is with dual Kersten crossbolts and the barrels remain tight on face, a few of the screw slots show some very light wear. A rugged, if Spartan Merkel, proofed in 1930. (39100-1343) {C&R} [Richard “Stretch” Kennedy Collection] (800/1200)
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