Help with Merkel 12ga

[Merco]

I inherited a 12ga "Merco" shotgun... I can not find much info on all the proof marks... attached are pics most of them. Want to know what year & how much it may be worth. Thanks, Mike.

 

[Merco]

A few more pics...

 

[oneounceload]

Lucky for you on your inheritance - a very nice gun.

If you look on Gunsinternational.com, under the Merkel section, you will find pricing. I hope you would want to keep and shoot such a nice gun

 

[Merco]

Wow Merkels vary big time in price... no matter how you look at it, it seems to be a nice gun! How can I tell what model it is? Best I can tell it is pre-war, but thats it.

 

[oneounceload]

If you go to shotgunworld.com, and scroll most of the way down the forums, you'll get to the "I love my...." section. Go to the Merkel one. If they can't help, try www.doublegunshop.com. Both sites have folks with lots of knowledge on double guns.

Enjoy it!

 

[johnbt]

The crown over U is an inspection mark used since 1950 by the Suhl E. German proof house.

The crown over W is a choke-bore barrel mark used since 1950 by the Suhl E. German proof house.


That narrows it down to what, a 40 year period. That's all I have figured out so far. John

 

[Merco]

you guys are a giant help! thanks