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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,873 Likes: 16
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,873 Likes: 16 |
Can anyone here tell me more about the origins and early history of the Merkel OU/Bockflinte?
I'm curious to know the thinking behind their first guns, patents they drew on, etc.
Thanks,
OWD
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,873 Likes: 16
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,873 Likes: 16 |
Thanks, Raimey.
I'll look through that thread.
Is there any info in their about the German named Julius Coster that Dallas mentions as having a roll in the origins of the triggerplate-style hammerless shotgun?
OWD
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472 |
Ah, I don't know of a Julius Cöster right off, but I just do not think he was in Suhl.
But chase >>Laufverbindung Patent<< and the name on Merkel O/Us should be Waffenfabrik Gebrüder Merkel post 1916. Gebrüder Merkel was well known for O/U platforms but so was Greifelt.
Hochachtungsvoll,
Raimey
rse
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472 |
I am fortunate to be the custodian of a „ATM“ French version: https://doublegunshop.com/forums/ub...p;Board=1&main=40742&type=threadAnd actually, it is contained in a Cabela's Travel Case that I reach for 1st when I plan to hunt..... I just wish I would take the time to have the sling swivel screw re-installed in the stock. Hochachtungsvoll, Raimey rse
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472 |
Mudding the water a bit by including the early O/U platforms from the Little British Isles from before the 1st Major Disagreement in Europe(WWI), Dig & I had a discussion late yesterday afternoon in Nashville. He mentioned the 1st variant being Boss from 1909. Purdey gives they rolled one out for Aga Ali Shah in 1843 but it wasn't until Purdey adopted the Woodward patented platform of 1913 that they found their way. F. Beesley had the >>Shotover<< from 1912, was an engineering marvel and was time variant. Beesley utilized an upside-down lock for the lower tube. All makers were trying to develop an edge for the Live Pigeon market. https://doublegunshop.com/forums/ub...p;Board=1&main=23931&type=threadHochachtungsvoll, Raimey rse
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472 |
Interesting premise & I will dig as I just do not know. Gebrüder Merkel was formed on September 1st, 1898 and although mastermind Gebhard Merkel may have dabbled in the O/U >>Bock<< as early as 1905, things didn't really kick off until at least 1924 due the ravage of war. About this time, maybe later, Gebrüder filed for trademark protection for the name „Bock“ but the O/U really didn't catch full traction or exposure until Max Schmelling's 1936 weapon and an Award @ the 1937 Paris >>Gran Prix<<. Businessman Adolf/Adolph Schade was a son-in-law to one of the Brothers Merkel and helped catapult Gebrüder Merkel's O/U into the limelight.
The show was just awesome for the Boys as most of my outfitter friends ponied up $4k for a cubical and we were able to visit with them and many others. Just so many exotic firearms with Hofer & Hauptmann in the merry band coupled with Stephano Ricci's clothing line(owned by Indians or Indian Influene I think??) with $1k shirts & $150k jackets. I didn't actually see any of the Ricci wares but it was pointed out to me by a Bolivian Outfitter. From what I was told, almost all outfitters filled their books for 2026 and many for 2027. But trip costs are just thru the roof w/ and Elephant Hunt @ $70k, where I think $60k goes to the Government. Russian Outfitter Eventus HUnt offers the Rarest Triple Sheep Hunt of Koryak, Kolyma & Chukiotka Sheep, where you freeze you butt off for $92,000.
Sensory overload of upper rung stuff and you need a couple days to see the near 1000 vendors. But every time you move your vehicle it costs @ least $25, etc.
Hochachtungsvoll,
Raimey
rse
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,385 Likes: 472 |
Back to Gebruder Merkel, the Gebrüder Merkel ledgers gives that all O/U Merkel platforms were under the Gebrüder Merkel Umbrella and virtually none were released to other makers until 1915. Those in the Know, just do not know.
It is a very interesting time when Sporting Weapons Platforms were money makers and then the onset of War which always advances technology, interrupting the money making. I will continue to dig.....
Hochachtungsvoll,
Raimey
rse
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