Merkel Frères Suhl – Böhler Stahl 16 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun – Engraved German Sporting Gun

Beautiful vintage German 16-gauge over/under double-barrel shotgun, marked Merkel Frères, Suhl and Böhler Stahl. This attractive European sporting shotgun features highly detailed game-scene engraving, traditional German craftsmanship, and handsome walnut furniture.

The receiver displays extensive ornamental scrollwork, floral engraving, and detailed hunting scenes featuring game birds in natural woodland settings. The engraving extends across the receiver, sideplates, and surrounding metalwork, giving this shotgun an especially elegant appearance.

The shotgun features double triggers, a traditional top lever, finely checkered walnut grip and forearm, and a raised ventilated barrel rib.

The barrels are marked Böhler Stahl, identifying the quality steel associated with European sporting arms. Additional markings reference the historic Suhl gunmaking center in Germany.

This shotgun remains in good used condition, displaying attractive metalwork and walnut grain with handling marks consistent with its age.

Please note that the wooden forearm has been shortened from its original configuration, and a ventilated rubber recoil pad has been added to the buttstock. These modifications are reflected in the overall condition and should be considered by collectors seeking original examples.

Features & Specifications

• Maker marking: Merkel Frères – Suhl
• Barrel marking: Böhler Stahl
• Country of origin: Germany
• Gauge: 16 Gauge
• Action: Break-action over/under
• Barrels: Blued steel with ventilated rib
• Receiver: Extensively engraved with game scenes and ornamental scrollwork
• Triggers: Double triggers
• Stock: Walnut with checkered grip
• Forearm: Checkered walnut, shortened
• Buttstock: Figured walnut
• Recoil pad: Added ventilated rubber pad
• Condition: Good used condition

Condition Details

The barrels retain an attractive dark finish with scattered handling marks and minor finish wear. The engraved receiver remains visually impressive, with its detailed hunting scenes and decorative patterns clearly visible.

The walnut stock displays attractive figure and grain, particularly through the buttstock, along with normal signs of previous use. The forearm has been shortened, and the buttstock has been fitted with an aftermarket recoil pad.

Overall, this is a handsome example of traditional German sporting-gun craftsmanship with notable decorative detail and disclosed modifications.

Historical Significance

Suhl, Germany, has been one of Europe’s most important gunmaking centers for centuries. The Merkel name is closely associated with the region’s tradition of finely crafted sporting shotguns and combination guns.

Böhler steel was widely regarded among European sporting-gun manufacturers for its quality and was used in numerous fine German and Austrian firearms.

This shotgun reflects the craftsmanship and decorative artistry associated with classic German over/under sporting arms.

A distinctive vintage 16-gauge German over/under with elaborate engraving, attractive figured walnut, and classic Suhl gunmaking heritage.

FREE SHIPPING TO YOUR FFL!