W. Glaser

[Dave Southard]

I have a chance to pick up a beautiful older 12 ga SXS marked W. Glaser ,Zurich.Ihaven't been able to find any info on this maker other than Merkel might have imported it. Its built like a Swiss Watch and the price is really cheap. Anyone know anything about W. Glaser? Thanks in advance.

[John Hancock]

I visited them in 1972 returning from Rhodesia and spent a morning at the shop. My understanding was that they are an "outfitter" and don't manufacture anything. I was looking to buy a Merkel 303 sidelock and they had several on display. When they realized that I was really going to buy one they took me into the basement where there were a lot (mabee 300+) Merkel shotguns unopened in cardboard boxes and we went through the 303's till I found one I liked. They were very kind even offered to take me to a range to shoot it but I didn't have time. Got home and made arrangements for a dealer to import it and they sent it along. I'll bet the gun you are looking at is either a Simpson or a Merkel, either is first rate. JH

[Dave Southard]

Thanks so much for your reply. The gun looks to be rather old with the normal amount of wear and in perfect working order.I was taken with the exquisite workmanship on the gun even though it seems to be a rather no frills model.It is also light as a feather and has great balance. The person wants one hundred fifty dollars for it and I think I'm going to get it.

[Bill Murphy]

Yup, Glaser was a very important seller of Merkels in the sixties.