Fascinating discussion. Yes, the gun's forearm is one-piece, which provides an uninterrupted surface for the finely executed fleur de lis chequering, and because I think the single-piece forearm is more graceful and perhaps to be preferred, especially when one wants to break the gun down for cleaning or storage purposes. I do not remember why, but at the time I did not have the screw holes filled that once secured the second, upper-part of the usual Germanic or Eastern European two-part forearm. Although you cannot see this feature, the solid barrel rib originally had an unwanted mid-rib bead that was removed and the empty threaded hole filled and dressed when the barrels (also marked "Bohler Stahl") were re-choked.
I appreciate learning that the the stamped concentric circles and the wavy lines actually form a wonderfully stylized "Q". Perhaps this is because the German word for quality also begins with a "q", as in "qualitat"? I like learning new things about our shared interests. The "1" for first quality makes sense, too, as does your explanation concerning the influence of the prevailing East German economic situation and Western trade considerations as the primary causal factors driving their restricted use of this distinctive quality mark. Though the defining character is rather art nouveau-ish, in terms of appearance. Thank you for sharing this information.
The 12-bore Merkel is the gun I select whenever I expect to fire long strings of shots throughout the day, whether in the shooting field, at doves, for example, or when having a go with several rounds of clay targets at the club or shooting range. I select it because I do not want to over-employ the antique game guns I temporally maintain for future generations, by which I mean for expected strenuous exercises afield. The Merkel gun can withstand or absorb a great deal of honest use, as was intended by its designers and this user. I instead tend to employ the antique guns very carefully, selectively and respectfully, in a more limited manner that accords with their age and glorious past.
That said, the Merkel 200E fulfills my particular use requirements extremely well. And because it is a marvelously balanced, engineered and crafted exemplar of practical art, it is a pleasure to shoot, or to just look at while I rest and admire it between flights, rises or rounds at the traps.
Best regards to all,
Edwardian
