For Sale Merkel 203E 12 Gauge Halbluxus

[Whit]

Hey everyone, I am stationed in Germany with the American forces. I've acquired a collection of shotguns that I would like to sell as I plan to move back to the States this summer or fall. I acquired this beauty about a year ago, and have safely nestled it away in the garrison arms room. I am selling to cover my transition costs.

Description from the previous owner: Merkel Bockdoppelflinte Model 203 E System: self-cocking, sidelock system (Holland & Holland), sidelocks removable by crank screw (without tools) Breech: Kersten breech with trigger Safety: trigger safety by manual operation of the safety slide on the butt neck, independently acting hammer safety by sear rods Case ejection: with coil spring ejector. Barrel length 710 mm, Caliber 12/70. First proof 01/1980. Stock: Walnut quality class "Halbluxus I", pistol grip with steel cap with arabesque engraving - model designation in real gold inlaid, two-piece forearm - titanium-nitrated screws. Engraving: English arabesques with cut-out background. Work done by Suhl gunshop in Dec 2022.

The scroll work has been done by hand, this is not machine cut. The weapon is of East German manufacture, back in the days when the Merkel factory still resided behind the wall. The weapon does have a Zeiss 6x42.6 scope and mounts (included, value approximately 500 euro). Case pictured included.

I cannot find anything like this for sale on Guns International, etc.

Asking 5000 euros + cost of shipping. Sale is for our European friends only.

I do have other weapons for sale if interested: a Model 2001 12 gauge, a Merkel 2011 8x57/12 gauge combo gun, an over/under Redolfi Express EOS in 9.3x74R, a Heym 37 Luxus drilling in 16 gauge/16 gauge 6.5x57R.

(Technically I am not allowed to sell to Americans unless you're over in Europe... sorry guys... going to relist once I'm home.)

 

[flatwater bill]

Hi @Whit................bockdoppleflinte means over and under shotgun............and in this case a 2 3/4 " 12 ga........wondering what the scope actually has to do with this gun? Was it meant for one of the other fine firearms you list in the offer? Beautiful shotgun and a real work of art............a very classic Merkel for sure..........easily worth the asking price................FWB

 

[Kdgj]

The barrel looks like it has a back sight dovetailed in it. Also it looks to have scope bases fitted on the rib. Are you sure this is a shotgun barrel?

Ken

 

[Whit]

Hi @Whit................bockdoppleflinte means over and under shotgun............and in this case a 2 3/4 " 12 ga........wondering what the scope actually has to do with this gun? Was it meant for one of the other fine firearms you list in the offer? Beautiful shotgun and a real work of art............a very classic Merkel for sure..........easily worth the asking price................FWB

Thanks for the kind words - it's a beautiful weapon.

I believe this Merkel was optimized as a slug gun. Why? Remember, the shotgun was manufactured in '80 in the GDR, behind the wall. In the GDR, unless you were a very senior and trusted member of the Party, rifles were forbidden for personal ownership, to avoid any option of armed rebellion against the Party. Shotguns, however, were permitted as a shotgun was viewed as a low-threat weapon. Germany has red deer, boar, fallow and even a few mouflon. So, for the majority of East Germans, hunting with a shotgun was the only option to actually take large game. Scope did come with the gun.

 

[rookhawk]

Thanks for the kind words - it's a beautiful weapon.

I believe this Merkel was optimized as a slug gun. Why? Remember, the shotgun was manufactured in '80 in the GDR, behind the wall. In the GDR, unless you were a very senior and trusted member of the Party, rifles were forbidden for personal ownership, to avoid any option of armed rebellion against the Party. Shotguns, however, were permitted as a shotgun was viewed as a low-threat weapon. Germany has red deer, boar, fallow and even a few mouflon. So, for the majority of East Germans, hunting with a shotgun was the only option to actually take large game. Scope did come with the gun.

It will probably shoot and regulate beautifully with a Brenneke 2-3/4" slug using that scope. That's exactly what the scope was for, running boar with slug, otherwise as a bird gun with shot.