Did Merkel just let the engravers decide which engraving pattern they wanted to do (if not a special order) or did certain engravings go with certain gauge/choke/barrel length combinations? I notice most contain a dog, combi's had game (stag, reh, etc), and on occasion some shotguns had a fox albeit that one seems a tad less common. Ive also noticed some engraving is exceptional and some borders on Spanish-gun cartoon engraving. I imagine some engravers were masters and some were apprentice engravers...

Either way I'd love to hear any information anyone has on the matter...

I have had AyA #2, Garbi 103A, Grulla 209, Arietta 574 and now an Arietta custom made for G&H. All but the custom order gun had OK but not exceptional engraving. I would even say on their rose and scroll their roses aren't just right as most English guns are. However the custom order gun has exceptional scroll work with depth and real artistic design. The game scene is also wonderfully done with realistic grouse, woodcock and pheasant. So I believe the Spanish can do wonderful engraving but it doesn't come on all of their guns.
Likewise I have a Scottish boxlock and its scrollwork is a step up from the Webley and Scotts I have had.

Fall,
Having 3 Merkel shotguns, I've done my research on their engraving and the engravers who did it. I have a list showing the engravers, their time and experience in their work, and have seen examples and how they signed their work. As an example, Gerhard Liebscher commonly used rabbits in his engraving patterns. They commonly used house style on the bottom and surrounding areas, while doing their own take on game scenes and the like. The men usually signed their work with block initials, while the women used attractive script.
Hope this helps,
Karl

Nitrah, you're right I didn't mean to generalize. I was talking about the more common lower end Spanish guns with the cartoon chicken looking pheasants and ducks. I know that country can produce beautiful work as well.

Karl, that's sounds very interesting. Once I get this gun in hand, I may need to pick your brain if you don't mind...

Fall,
Absolutely, I'd be glad to offer any help that I can.
Karl