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 Merkel 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
