Hi folks!
I have not been back to this forum for quite a while, since my interests ebb and flow. However, the haunting question has been "date of manufacture" of my Merkel, purchased in Munich, Germany.
Merkel Model 122
S x S (same as Simson Model 76E)
Pre-owned, highest grade box-lock
Selective ejectors
Bushed firing pins (3-hole)
Game-scene engraved side-plates'
Brass-pin cocking indicator, protruding from each side-plate
Double triggers (black)
Arabesque engraved trigger-guard (black), edge zig-zag engraved
Receiver/forend -- Silver Nitride finish,
Receiver floorplate, modest Arabesque and the "Suhl Tradesman" 'trademark' stamping, with 'SUHL' stamped underneath
Barrels - raised solid rib, but slightly swamped, single brass bead
Pistol grip stock
18 to 19 lines/inch checkering stock/forend
Germanic cheek-piece (tear-drop oval)
Stock/forend - straight-grain, with medium dark bands of figure
Dark-stained stock/forend, oil finished
Forend - Arabesque engraving on lock-release mechanism
I am What might be the date of manufacture?Gun has the following stampings:
Watertable1a) 470299 (s/n ?)
1b) ((one each) stamping appears to be a "toadstool or 'lamp & shade' or torch")
Barrel Flats(looking down, chamber-end)
"left-side2a) JS (encircled) ((Suhler Jagdwaffen ?), I think era of Soviet Occupation, about 1946 to 1998.)
2b) 18.5
2c) "toadstool or 'lamp & shade' or torch" stamping
2d) 10KG
2e) the Suhl Proof House "shield"
2f) 1/2 (choke ?)
2g) 12/76 (12-bore/3-inch chamber)
Barrel Flats (looking down, chamber-end)
"right-side"3a) 18.6
3b) 470299 (s/n ?)
3c) 1/1 (choke ?)
3d) 12/76 (12-bore/ 3-inch chamber)
Under-barrel rib4a) 'K2101' (between ejector rods and forend lug)
4b)
0 (at right angle to the 'K2101', but between the 'K2101' and the forend lug
Double-barrel (sighting rib - side)
5a) 1st line - GEBR. MERKEL SUHL
5b) 2nd line - MADE IN GERMANY
5c) Importer's name under left barrel
N.E.Custom Guns Ltd-Plainsfield, NH (Mr. Appel had controlling interest at that time.)
Forend/lock-release casting (barrel-side)
6a) 70299 (s/n identifier ?)
Hope some of this helps! :)John