Merkel o/u help

[J.A. Early]

Hello,

I am contemplating buying a Merkel over/under with a date of 638. I need help in identifying the model and approximate worth. I found the number 638 under the barrels which I understand is the manufacture date of June 1938. Serial 25,XXX. LEFT SIDE: ERNST STEIGLEDER, BERLIN RIGHT SIDE: GEBEUDER MERKEL, SUHL. 29", 46 & 55 points for chokes. 2 3/4" CHAMBERS, SOLID RIB, EJECTORS, PERFECT BORES, BLUING GOOD WITH MISSING SPOTS, CUT STOCK WITH PACHMAYR PAD.

Any help with an ID and estimated value would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[mike ford]

J.A. Early,
I haven't replied until now because I usually don't estimate the value of a gun I do not have "in hand". However, here are a couple thoughts about the gun. The date on the guns is often considered to be the date of manufacture but is actually the date of proof. Sometimes the proof date is close to the date of manufacture, but proof may be delayed for various reasons. You stated you found the number under the barrels but did not include a photo of the markings. Consequently, we don't even know what gauge shell it is chambered for. You stated it is chambered for 2 3/4" shells, but this is an unusual length for the time of proof. Absent photos of the proof marks, we can't tell if it was originally proofed with this chamber length, was rechambered and reproofed later, or rechambered later and not reproofed. Also, you mentioned "points" for chokes. At the time, the barrels would typically be marked with a " crown W " if choked, but the amount of constriction would not be shown. Collectors often have heated discussions about these things, but hunters may not care as much, if they like the gun. This illustrates the danger of giving a value of an unknown gun, and you should decide for yourself if the gun is worth the price to you, without regard of what it may be worth to someone else.
Mike

[J.A. Early]

Thanks Mike. It is a 12 gauge. Too much choke to be useful to me I think. It was just going to be for hunting. $1300 was the price. Chambers did not appear to me to have been altered. .729 both barrels and .055 in the top barrel is outrageous.

[mike ford]

J.A. Early,
Guns made in Germany, made before the war, and marked with a "crown W", typically had very tight chokes. Since they preceded the use of modern efficient plastic wads and shot cups or other devices, such as protective shot collars, they were designed for the old-style card and fiber wads. You can buy or load "spreader loads" to use in such barrels, and which sometimes give more satisfactory shot patterns. While as controversial as extending the chambers, you are allowed to have the chokes in your own gun modified to give whatever patters you specify with whatever shells you use. If it was properly proofed, you will find a 12 in a circle stamped on each barrel, if there is no number ( such as a 70 0r 76) next to it, that means the gun was proofed with the "standard" 65 mm 12 ga chamber (which was 2 5/8" for 12 ga.). If it has a 2 3/4" chamber and no 70, it has been modified and not reproofed (most likely in the USA). If it was reproofed, it should have a "crown" R "repair" reproof mark showing the new 70mm chamber depth. and new date (new marks might be post 1939 proof law or post war marks from either BRD or DDR). Whether it would be meaningful, if it were rechambered and not reproofed is a personal matter. I believe many people would not like it, but as for myself if I liked the gun, it would not make any difference other than a negotiation tactic.
Mike