doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Merkel information needed

I had a Merkel 28gauge fall into my lap yesterday.
28 gauge, 28", SN382xxx. 99%++
Petite BTFE, English, SST(mechanical), ejectors, buttplate (gebr merkel suhl).
Engraving identical to this link on a 20 gauge; http://www.gunsamerica.com/918370509/Gun...ngraved_NIB.htm
signed ss

Left barrel marked gsi inc tville
gebr merkel suhl
made in germany
right barrel marked krupp stahl

left barrel flat marked 14.0, 382xxx, 28/70, 1/2
right barrel flat marked 14.0, js(in a circle), 7kk, vz, 28/70
Water table with serial number only

What's the era of production? Date of manufacture?
What's the value? Any idea how many made?

Thanks, Bob

Newer prodoction since it has GSI as the importer possibly in the last 10 years, model 280 E, can be an EL if the wood is super fancy it would say EL on the top lever. Still in production. chokes are IC/MOD. Prices vary all over the place, book says 4200 in 98%condition. Nice guns.
You may be able to get more specific info by contacting GSI/Merkel. http://www.gsifirearms.com/gsif/