Question re: a pre war Sauer hammer drilling

[mikev]

I have a nice Sauer hammer drilling that passed through proof in April of 1936. It is a 9.3x72R under 16 gauge. .9.3x72R is engraved in an "oval" on the rib. There is a second "oval" closer to the receiver that has 81/36. engraved in it. I have not seen a gun with two engraved areas like this and have no idea what the 81/36. refers to. are any of the experts here able to tell me what the 81/36. refers to ?
Many thanks,
Mike

[mike ford]

mikev,
First of all, I am not an expert. I cannot make 81/36 fit the bore diameter, either in mm nor any of the 3 in gauge measurement we see from time to time; it doesn't fit the case length of any of the 9.3mm cartridges. Also, I can't make it fit the proof date you cite (neither month/day/year nor Julian date). It may help if you post photos of these marks and all the other markings on the gun. Maybe, on the other hand, our technical expert, Axel, has an idea.
Mike

[mikev]

Mike, Photos attached. I hope.
Mike

[mikev]

Also note the crown E proof . I understand that to be for express rifles? Perhaps it relates somehow the the 81/36 marks?

[mike ford]

mikev,
That still didn't bring anything to mind as to the meaning of 81/36. The crown E proof is, as you stated, an Express proof. It is a little stronger proof and is often seen, but I know of no connection to the 81/36 stamp. Since I am at a loss, hopefully Axel will chime in.
Mike

[algmule]

Hello

Maybe 21/36.?

womble1.JPG

Still doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps the ovals weren't put in the rib at the same time?

What is the serial? Is there a crown R somewhere?

Peter

[mikev]

2 more pics . Still looks like an 8 to me. Serial is 2380xx.

[mikev]

No crown R

[mike ford]

Both ovals may have been put on later, it wasn't until the 1939 proof law that they were required to be marked as to the common name of the cartridge they were chambered for. Before then, some were so marked by request.
Mike

[Axel E]

I too have no definite answer, just a guess for a possibility: As Peter already noticed, the 82/36 oval was engraved later. It may stand for a date, February 8, 1936, of importance only to the original owner. It was quite common in Germany to have a present engraved with the date of the occasion only, without further mention of occasion, giver or receiver. The receiver will know the meaning of the date and remember the giver anyhow. I myself have two items engraved with such a date only, a candlestick with the date of my confirmation and a pewter tankard with that of my graduation.
BTW, Germans write dates day-month instead of the American month-day.

[mikev]

Axel, Mike and Peter,
Thank you for your responses. Axel, I think you may have figured out the meaning. The gun could well have been ordered to commemorate an event in February of 1936. It passed through proof in April of 1936 so it fits!
Is a crown over E commonly seen on drillings such as this? Does it signify a higher than normal pressure test?
At any rate, It is spot on with S and B ammunition !
Thank you all again. My best, Mike

[mike ford]

mikev
The Express Proof is a higher- pressure proof. While it is a useful increase, it does not make a "Magnum" from the cartridge, it is more like a +P version. The fact that your drilling is "spot on" with S&B ammo is good for you, if that is the ammo you intend to use. However, don't let that make you think S&B ammo is higher power than the normal or in Express pressure level. It is quality useful ammo, primed with Boxer primers (if you are a handloader). Being Express proofed does not necessarily mean it was sighted for higher pressure ammo, nor does it mean it was sighted for the same distance you tested it at. If you don't handload now, I suggest you save all your "brass" and take it up someday, it will add to the enjoyment of our hobby.
Mike

[mikev]

Mike, Thanks again for the reply. I was just curious about the crown E proof. I don.t intend to try to get anymore out of this fine old drilling. I intend to chase whitetails with it next November. For that the S and B will be perfect. Maybe backed by a 2 1/2 inch Brenneke. Mike

[mike ford]

mikev,
Waidmannsheil. Be sure to post a photo and tell us about the hunt.
Mike