*ONE OF A KIND AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT REICHSFUHRER-SS HEINRICH HIMMLER’S MERKEL 201E OVER-UNDER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH EXTRA COMBINATION AND SHOTGUN BARRELS, SCOPES, AND CASE.

*ONE OF A KIND AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT REICHSFUHRER-SS HEINRICH HIMMLER’S MERKEL 201E OVER-UNDER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH EXTRA COMBINATION AND SHOTGUN BARRELS, SCOPES, AND CASE. SN 25448. Cal. 8 x 57 JR over 8 x 57 JR/ 16 over 8 x 57 JR/ 16 ga. over 16 ga. 2-5/8″ Chambers. This extremely fine and unique combination hunting set was specifically crafted by the Gebruder Merkel factory for special presentation on Himmler’s 40th birthday by members of the SS high command as he was reaching the zenith of his treachery. This attribution is upheld by the oval silver plaque behind grip cap which is inscribed:”Unserem Reichsfuhrer /Heinrich Himmler / zum 7.10.1941 / SS – Hauptamt”. In addition factory records have full details of the construction and completion of this rifle and its additional barrels, along with special presentation plaque and personal runic engraving. 25-5/8″ Demi-block double rifle and combination bbls are of Bohler steel, and are engraved “Suhler Waffenwerke” and “Gebruder Merkel Suhl” on either side of breech. Double rifle bbls have matted quarter rib, and combination bbls have full length rib. Both have dovetailed-through U-notch rear sights, and claw mounts. These two bbl sets share the same forend. 28-3/8″ Double shotgun bbls have full length matted rib with same engraving as the other bbls. All sets are stamped with German nitro proofs, with proof dates of 11/38, and with Merkel “GM” logo on left side of rear lumps. All bbl sets are fitted with Merkel’s ejector system, and sling swivels. Serpentine-back Blitz action receiver features double Kirston lock, reinforcing bolsters, pin cocking indicators, and automatic safety. Checkered front trigger is set. Steel trigger guard has SN at grip. Action is engraved with nicely executed medium scroll, framing nicely cut and shaded vignettes of game; a roebuck with 2 does bounding through woodlands on left, with setter pointing a trio of flushing ducks at edge of marsh on right. Bottom of action is also scroll engraved, and marked “Schuler Waffenwerk Gebruder Merkel, Suhl”. Top lever has specially designed and engraved rendition of Heinrich Himmler’s personal rune inlaid in gold. This device is pictured in factory records to be copied exactly. Heinrich Himmler’s fascination with runes and their meanings is widely known, and subject of a number of writings, including THE SECRET KING KARL MARIA WILIGUT, HIMMLER’S LORD OF THE RUNES. Nicely marbled, dark and dense European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4″ over GM embossed horn buttplate. Stock features nicely sculpted side panels, shadow line right hand cheekpiece, hard rubber grip cap, and 24 LPI point pattern checkering with line borders. Sling swivel, along with the aforementioned Himmler presentation oval, is on toe line. Matching 3-pc forends have Deeley releases and ejector trips. Merkel logos, SNs, and barrel designations are on irons. Shotgun bbls: Bore diameter: top -.672, bottom -.672. Bore restrictions: top -.035, bottom -.034. Wall thickness: top -.022, bottom -.025. Drop at heel: 2-3/4″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz. LOP 14-1/4″. Combination bbls: Bore diameter: top -.665. Bore restrictions: top -.030. Wall thickness: top -.023. Weight without scope: 6 lbs. 8 oz. Rifle bbls: Drop at heel: Approx. 3″, drop at comb: Approx. 1-3/4″. Weight without scope: 7 lbs. 8 oz. This fine set is complete with two scopes; one a Karl Zeiss Zielvier with 3 post reticle, the other an Ajack 1-1/2 x 100 power with 3 post reticle. Both are in windage adjustable claw rings, and are interchangeable between both double rifle and combination bbls. Scopes are fitted with leather lens covers. Fine quality leather case with brass corners and locks has canvas outer cover, and has brass plaque on lid marked “H.H.” Case is lined with green cloth and has leather Waffen Jung label. Case has provision for all three sets of bbls, both telescopes, as well as the action and stock. Case contains square nickel-plated oil bottle and a leather carrying strap. Also included are two boxes of period of mfg RWS 8 x 57 JR cartridges. According to our European consignor’s sources, this gun was liberated from near Berchtesgarten in May 1945 by an officer of the French 2nd Armoured Brigade, anecdotally it remained in his hands for over 40 years when it was exchanged for a “life’s supply of wine”. Very few individuals throughout world history have evoked a more charged emotional response to their ideology and deeds than Heinrich Luitpold Himmler. As leader(Reichsführer)of the dreaded SS of the Nazi party from 1929-1945, Himmler presided over a vast military and bureaucratic empire that ultimately defined his sinister and evil legacy. Personal items owned by Himmler are extraordinarily rare, unlike his counterparts such as Hermann Goering. This incredibly significant item, with its irrefutable provenance, represents a unique and incredible opportunity for the most advanced historian, military collector or institution. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Collections of longstanding European dealer Rudi Haas and senior French Antique Arms dealer M. Pierre Rolly. Merkel factory letter and photocopies of orig factory ledger indicating special features for Himmler; Letter of authenticity from French arms consultant Jean Raps; Possession and import paperwork (French); and the book, THE SECRET KING KARL MARIA WILIGUT, HIMMLER’S LORD OF THE RUNES. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain most of their orig blue with silvering of sharp edges, and some areas thinning. Scattered pinprick pitting is on shotgun bbls, with some deeper pits on ejector lugs. Combination bbls show deeper blue with area of slight pitting about 5″ back from muzzle on both sides of top bbl, with some pitting on ejector lugs. Rifle bbls have about the same amount of blue as combo bbls with pitting 5″ back from muzzle on bottom bbl, on ejector lugs, and lumps. This pitting is not obtrusive, and undoubtedly resulted from and corresponds to contact with leather bbl removal straps and holding blocks in case. Ajack scope has considerable pitting around ocular lens, and an area on its left side, again from contact with leather cover. Zeiss scope is also pitted on both turrets, for the same reason. Otherwise they both retain their orig finish and optics are surprisingly clear. Action is tight. All bbls are on face. Shotgun bores show light pitting and frosting in bottom bbl. Combo bbls shotgun excellent, rifle bbl shows moderate pitting at throat, but is bright and shiny toward muzzle. Double rifle bbls are excellent, with one or two minor pits toward breech end of bottom bbl. Coin finished action shows some slight darkening mostly on tangs. Trigger guard retains 30 – 40 % blue, and is silver at grip. Top lever is considerably silvered on thumbpiece and high points. Stocks retain most of their orig finish which is quite dry, and shows numerous light marks, dents, and scratches from handling and use. Checkering shows slight wear. Shotgun forend shows much more wear and use than rifle/ combo forend. Case leather is fine with a few marks and bumps. Outer cover shows considerable wear. Interior cloth is fine showing marks, rubs and a few small tears from contact with bbls and action, as well as some moth damage. 4-42095 MGM9 (100,000-150,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1067	$115,000.00	ONE OF A KIND AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT REICHSFUHRER-SS HEINRICH HIMMLER’S MERKEL 201E OVER-UNDER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH EXTRA COMBINATION AND SHOTGUN BARRELS, SCOPES, AND CASE. SN 25448. Cal. 8 x 57 JR over 8 x 57 JR/ 16 over 8 x 57 JR/ 16 ga. over 16 ga. 2-5/8″ Chambers. This extremely fine and unique combination hunting set was specifically crafted by the Gebruder Merkel factory for special presentation on Himmler’s 40th birthday by members of the SS high command as he was reaching the zenith of his treachery. This attribution is upheld by the oval silver plaque behind grip cap which is inscribed:”Unserem Reichsfuhrer /Heinrich Himmler / zum 7.10.1941 / SS – Hauptamt”. In addition factory records have full details of the construction and completion of this rifle and its additional barrels, along with special presentation plaque and personal runic engraving. 25-5/8″ Demi-block double rifle and combination bbls are of Bohler steel, and are engraved “Suhler Waffenwerke” and “Gebruder Merkel Suhl” on either side of breech. Double rifle bbls have matted quarter rib, and combination bbls have full length rib. Both have dovetailed-through U-notch rear sights, and claw mounts. These two bbl sets share the same forend. 28-3/8″ Double shotgun bbls have full length matted rib with same engraving as the other bbls. All sets are stamped with German nitro proofs, with proof dates of 11/38, and with Merkel “GM” logo on left side of rear lumps. All bbl sets are fitted with Merkel’s ejector system, and sling swivels. Serpentine-back Blitz action receiver features double Kirston lock, reinforcing bolsters, pin cocking indicators, and automatic safety. Checkered front trigger is set. Steel trigger guard has SN at grip. Action is engraved with nicely executed medium scroll, framing nicely cut and shaded vignettes of game; a roebuck with 2 does bounding through woodlands on left, with setter pointing a trio of flushing ducks at edge of marsh on right. Bottom of action is also scroll engraved, and marked “Schuler Waffenwerk Gebruder Merkel, Suhl”. Top lever has specially designed and engraved rendition of Heinrich Himmler’s personal rune inlaid in gold. This device is pictured in factory records to be copied exactly. Heinrich Himmler’s fascination with runes and their meanings is widely known, and subject of a number of writings, including THE SECRET KING KARL MARIA WILIGUT, HIMMLER’S LORD OF THE RUNES. Nicely marbled, dark and dense European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4″ over GM embossed horn buttplate. Stock features nicely sculpted side panels, shadow line right hand cheekpiece, hard rubber grip cap, and 24 LPI point pattern checkering with line borders. Sling swivel, along with the aforementioned Himmler presentation oval, is on toe line. Matching 3-pc forends have Deeley releases and ejector trips. Merkel logos, SNs, and barrel designations are on irons. Shotgun bbls: Bore diameter: top -.672, bottom -.672. Bore restrictions: top -.035, bottom -.034. Wall thickness: top -.022, bottom -.025. Drop at heel: 2-3/4″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz. LOP 14-1/4″. Combination bbls: Bore diameter: top -.665. Bore restrictions: top -.030. Wall thickness: top -.023. Weight without scope: 6 lbs. 8 oz. Rifle bbls: Drop at heel: Approx. 3″, drop at comb: Approx. 1-3/4″. Weight without scope: 7 lbs. 8 oz. This fine set is complete with two scopes; one a Karl Zeiss Zielvier with 3 post reticle, the other an Ajack 1-1/2 x 100 power with 3 post reticle. Both are in windage adjustable claw rings, and are interchangeable between both double rifle and combination bbls. Scopes are fitted with leather lens covers. Fine quality leather case with brass corners and locks has canvas outer cover, and has brass plaque on lid marked “H.H.” Case is lined with green cloth and has leather Waffen Jung label. Case has provision for all three sets of bbls, both telescopes, as well as the action and stock. Case contains square nickel-plated oil bottle and a leather carrying strap. Also included are two boxes of period of mfg RWS 8 x 57 JR cartridges. According to our European consignor’s sources, this gun was liberated from near Berchtesgarten in May 1945 by an officer of the French 2nd Armoured Brigade, anecdotally it remained in his hands for over 40 years when it was exchanged for a “life’s supply of wine”. Very few individuals throughout world history have evoked a more charged emotional response to their ideology and deeds than Heinrich Luitpold Himmler. As leader(Reichsführer)of the dreaded SS of the Nazi party from 1929-1945, Himmler presided over a vast military and bureaucratic empire that ultimately defined his sinister and evil legacy. Personal items owned by Himmler are extraordinarily rare, unlike his counterparts such as Hermann Goering. This incredibly significant item, with its irrefutable provenance, represents a unique and incredible opportunity for the most advanced historian, military collector or institution. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Collections of longstanding European dealer Rudi Haas and senior French Antique Arms dealer M. Pierre Rolly. Merkel factory letter and photocopies of orig factory ledger indicating special features for Himmler; Letter of authenticity from French arms consultant Jean Raps; Possession and import paperwork (French); and the book, THE SECRET KING KARL MARIA WILIGUT, HIMMLER’S LORD OF THE RUNES. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain most of their orig blue with silvering of sharp edges, and some areas thinning. Scattered pinprick pitting is on shotgun bbls, with some deeper pits on ejector lugs. Combination bbls show deeper blue with area of slight pitting about 5″ back from muzzle on both sides of top bbl, with some pitting on ejector lugs. Rifle bbls have about the same amount of blue as combo bbls with pitting 5″ back from muzzle on bottom bbl, on ejector lugs, and lumps. This pitting is not obtrusive, and undoubtedly resulted from and corresponds to contact with leather bbl removal straps and holding blocks in case. Ajack scope has considerable pitting around ocular lens, and an area on its left side, again from contact with leather cover. Zeiss scope is also pitted on both turrets, for the same reason. Otherwise they both retain their orig finish and optics are surprisingly clear. Action is tight. All bbls are on face. Shotgun bores show light pitting and frosting in bottom bbl. Combo bbls shotgun excellent, rifle bbl shows moderate pitting at throat, but is bright and shiny toward muzzle. Double rifle bbls are excellent, with one or two minor pits toward breech end of bottom bbl. Coin finished action shows some slight darkening mostly on tangs. Trigger guard retains 30 – 40 % blue, and is silver at grip. Top lever is considerably silvered on thumbpiece and high points. Stocks retain most of their orig finish which is quite dry, and shows numerous light marks, dents, and scratches from handling and use. Checkering shows slight wear. Shotgun forend shows much more wear and use than rifle/ combo forend. Case leather is fine with a few marks and bumps. Outer cover shows considerable wear. Interior cloth is fine showing marks, rubs and a few small tears from contact with bbls and action, as well as some moth damage. 4-42095 MGM9 (100,000-150,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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