Need info on Merkel Freres from 1969 (GDR)

[Doug Kellermann]

I have a 1969 Merkel Freres in 12x12/9.3x74r from 1969 with Suhl proofs, superior grade and St Etiene and no GDR mark. My hypothesis is that the gun was sent to France for final proof and possible sale. I have no clue how it found its way to the USA.

Where can I ontain information on the Merkel Freres from Suhl during the commie period (1945-1989)?

Does anyone know why the drilling has the St. Etiene proof?

thanks


Doug

[Axel E]

The company designation "Merkel freres" instead of the usual "Gebrüder Merkel" or simply "Merkel" clearly indicates the gun was made for export to a French-speaking country. France then did not accept the east-German GDR proof, so it had to be proofed in France. IMHO the Suhl,GDR proofmarks were carefully removed before the French reproof.

[mike ford]

1969 was close to the time of the "FRELOC"(French relocation), when American troops had to leave France. It is possible that this drilling came to US through an American Rod and Gun Club in France. Import of rifled arms from Communist countries was restricted at this time, French proofs would have helped in this regard.

[Doug Kellermann]

Thanks Mike and Axel.

this is very informative and sheds alot of light on this mystery.

regards..
Doug