{"product_id":"merkel-freres-suhl-bohler-stahl-16-gauge-over-under-shotgun-engraved-german-sporting-gun","title":"Merkel Frères Suhl – Böhler Stahl 16 Gauge Over\/Under Shotgun – Engraved German Sporting Gun","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful vintage German \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e16-gauge over\/under double-barrel shotgun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerkel Frères, Suhl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBöhler Stahl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This attractive European sporting shotgun features highly detailed game-scene engraving, traditional German craftsmanship, and handsome walnut furniture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe shotgun features double triggers, a traditional top lever, finely checkered walnut grip and forearm, and a raised ventilated barrel rib.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe barrels are marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBöhler Stahl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, identifying the quality steel associated with European sporting arms. Additional markings reference the historic Suhl gunmaking center in Germany.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis shotgun remains in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egood used condition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, displaying attractive metalwork and walnut grain with handling marks consistent with its age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeatures \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMaker marking:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Merkel Frères – Suhl\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBarrel marking:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Böhler Stahl\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCountry of origin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Germany\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eGauge:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 16 Gauge\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAction:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Break-action over\/under\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBarrels:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blued steel with ventilated rib\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eReceiver:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Extensively engraved with game scenes and ornamental scrollwork\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTriggers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Double triggers\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eStock:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Walnut with checkered grip\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eForearm:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Checkered walnut, shortened\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eButtstock:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Figured walnut\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRecoil pad:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Added ventilated rubber pad\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Good used condition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall, this is a handsome example of traditional German sporting-gun craftsmanship with notable decorative detail and disclosed modifications.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuhl, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBöhler steel was widely regarded among European sporting-gun manufacturers for its quality and was used in numerous fine German and Austrian firearms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis shotgun reflects the craftsmanship and decorative artistry associated with classic German over\/under sporting arms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive vintage 16-gauge German over\/under with elaborate engraving, attractive figured walnut, and classic Suhl gunmaking heritage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFREE SHIPPING TO YOUR FFL!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67901969956941,"sku":null,"price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/IMG_1407.jpg?v=1793919452","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/merkel-freres-suhl-bohler-stahl-16-gauge-over-under-shotgun-engraved-german-sporting-gun","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}