JP Sauer & Sohn East German Sidelock 30″ 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1951 C&R

Sold for $2615.00

LSB#: 220727TJ017

Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn

Model: Sidelock

Serial Number: 391400

Year of Manufacture: 1951

Gauge: 12 GA, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Top Lever Opening Sidelock Double Barreled Shotgun with Cocking Indicators & Ejectors

Markings: Each barrel is marked “SPECIAL-GEWEHR-LAUF / STAHL”, a three-ring logo and “FRIED.KRUPP.A.G. / ESSEN”. The top of the rib is marked “J.P. SAUER & SOHN SUHL GERMANY”. The barrel flats have Suhl proof marks, Sauer & Sohn logo, and “651” date code. The left of the barrel lug is marked “391400”, the top of the forend iron is marked “1400”, the top of the forend is marked “391400”, water table is marked “391400”. The water table has a Suhl proof mark and Sauer & Sohn logo. The bottom of the receiver is marked “J.P. SAUER & SOHN / SUHL”. The receiver has scroll and border engraving. The guard is marked “391400”.

Barrel Length: 30″

Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Modified, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun has a brass bead fixed to the front of the rib. The top of the rib has wavy serrations for glare reduction.

Weight: 7 lb., 1.8 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with a splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb, orange rubber buttpad and an initial plate in the belly (unmarked). There are a few tiny losses and very short cracks around the edges, mostly around the edges of the tangs, hardly noticeable except on close inspection. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ and 13 5/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 13 5/8″ and 12 5/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and some discoloration. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some stubborn fouling which should clear up with a patient cleaning.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with minor handling and operational wear. There is some minor discoloration in the receiver’s coin finish, but no notable damage. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock solidly to the frame. The safety engages automatically upon opening. The cocking indicators are small circles with a single line across them visible on each lockplate. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Sauer & Sohn firm was first founded in 1751 in Suhl, Germany and they are the oldest firearms manufacturer still active in Germany. While they are known today for their Sig-Sauer semi-automatic pistols made in collaboration with Swiss arms AG, they were once well known for their fine European made rifles, shotguns and drillings. This shotgun has strong overall mechanics and retains the vast majority of its original finish. Along with Simson, it was one of the Suhl gunmakers which managed to continue producing high quality sporting guns while behind the Iron Curtain. While most such examples we have seen have been boxlocks, this example is a sidelock and has commensurately higher grade walnut in its beautiful stocks. This is a great example of their work and will make a fine addition to any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!