Your Merkel could be a nice find. Make sure it's stock dimensions are suitable and find out what the bores are choked at. For some reason many have cylinder bores. Get as much information about the gun as you can. Does it have a nice wood stock? Or does it have really fantastic furniture? The price varies greatly on this model. The price also varies by who's selling them. They are not rare, they are readily available. The MSRP in 2016 was $4595.00, then Merkel discounted them to $3999. You could consider it an investment, though I don't know how large a following they have here in the states. A quick search revealed a nice 20 gauge for $3K and a 12 for $2500. I enjoy the hunt until I find the perfect match; fit, condition and price. Is it sexy enough for you?
