It seems the French did peddle or purchase Merkels: http://www.cornellpubs.com/old-guns/item_desc.php?item_id=1317 . Regarding German made arms, I'm a little skeptical when I see the terms "Freres" & "Allemagne" as it could mean a gun of French origin. St. Etienne, Paris & Suhl are listed but I wonder why the terms were roll stamped in French. Then again the Germans did stamp English names for the English market.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse