10 gauge sauer information wanted

[Eric Stoldt]

I bought this 10 gauge with the 16 gauge I just posted. I had to buy the two together and this is the one I realy wanted. My buddy, who recently passed away, was hunting with this gun up to a few years ago. I never seen any other 10 gauge sauers. I'm thinking the 10 gauge might be somewhat rare, but I am seeking what year this was manufactured. Any information would be extremely helpful. I am not looking to sell this gun just want to know more about it. What are your thoughts of still shooting with it a few shells a year? Thanks
Eric

[Axel E]

Again, you did not post the most important marks, those under the barrels. As the gun is inscribed "Sauer & Son" and "made in Prussia", it was made for export. The serial # 191395 points to 1912. I would not hesitate shooting it, but have the chmbers measured first and use only the correct length shells, probably 2 1/2" ones.

[Axel E]

Though I am no "expert" on the confusing S&S model designations, I rather think this gun to be a model 8 as it features a Greener crossbolt, Kerner's top-hinged sears, but no lower intercepting sears or cocking indicators. As it is a 10 bore, it was certainly a special order export item and is very rare. Neither S&S catalogs nor Jim Cate's book list the 10 gauge. The 10 was virtually unknown in Germany then, the standard being the 16. The 1908 Akah catalog lists more than 30 differnt cases and loads available in 12,16 and 20, but only one brand and grade of 10 bore empty cases, no loaded ones. So your gun may be of interest to any serious Sauer & Sohn collector. The Silvers-type recoil pad looks to good to be true IMHO. Most likely it is a recent replacement.

[Jim Cate]

Yes, Sauer made a few 10 gauge shotguns primarily for the American market before 1920-25. Axel is correct in that there are no Sauer catalogs or price sheets having the 10 gauge listed, but there are no catalogs that list the 1/ "Knock About" models;
2/ the ultra rare .410 gauge guns (5 made); or the 10 gauge doublebarrels either. I'm sure there were other guns/models not noted in Sauer literature either. If you have a copy of my last book (Sauer's long guns for hunting and sporting purposes), you might check the serial number database in the back of the book to determine if there are any 10 gauge Sauers noted. Regards, Jim Cate...author: J.P.SAUER & SOHN, SUHL -WAFFENSTADT, A HISTORICAL STUDY OF SAUER'S HUNTING AND SPORTING GUNS MADE BY THE ORIGINAL COMPANY 1751-1945