J.P. Sauer & Son "The Knockabout Gun" Von Lengerke and Detmold 12 ga.

[Joseph D]

Over the years I have seen advertised a few examples of "The Knockabout Gun" by J.P. Sauer & Son- a 12 gauge sidelock gun of sleek appearance and excellent handling qualities. I am curious about these guns and can find very little information in the blue book (value wise) or production numbers/ relative rarity. Any information on this model will be appreciated. Thank You in advance for any assistance, Joe

[Axel E]

The „Knock About“ moniker was merely applied by the New York importer von Lengerke & Detmold to the pre-WW1 Sauer & Sohn number 3 sidelock shotgun model. It was unknown and not used outside the USA. Noone knows how many model 3s were made in 12, 16 or 20 gauge and how many of the production were exported to the USA. S&S serial numbers don’t help, as these are total production numbers, applied regardless of type or model. Shotguns, drillings, combinations, single shot and repeating rifles were all numbered in one consecutive series from 1860 to 1945 (about 345 000), continued in GDR times up to 600 000. The serial numbers are quite useless for dating too, as they were given at the start of making. A gun may have sitten in an uncompleted state in inventory for several years, to be finished and proofed only after an order came in.

[Joseph D]

Thank You, Sir. I was reading the publication on Sauer guns last night and, although they have a chapter on sidelock guns, the text and photographs were only of the ornately finished engraved models. I appreciate your identifying this model as a number 3 sidelock shotgun model as I have had difficulty in identifying the specific model of a couple of my guns. You have supplied the first piece of information and it is much appreciated. Thanks, again, Joe

[Axel E]

…and don’t forget the Sauer & Sohn No.3 guns “liberated” and brought to the USA post-WW2.
BTW, as you are interested in Sauer & Sohn guns, you should try to find a copy of Jim Cate’s book “J.P.Sauer & Sohn, A Historical Study of the Guns Made by the Original Company 1751 – 1945”,

[Joseph D]

Well, as it goes, one followed me home! I am very pleased with the quality of this gun.

[mike ford]

Joseph D,
Great, I hope you enjoy it. Looks like a great Christmas present to yourself.
Mike

[Cthraen]

I have three VL&D Knock About Sauers. One each in 12, 16, and 20. And you are correct they are very nice handling and finely crafted SL SxS's. Enjoy.

[Cthraen]

My VL&D Knockabout 20b. 20230110_121033.jpg 20230110_121004.jpg

[Joseph D]

That is gorgeous!!! Thanks for posting!