The consignor will be donating 100% of their proceeds to the Park County Animal Shelter in Wyoming.
Make: J.P. Sauer and Sohn, customized by Frank Pachmayr
Model: Sidelock Over-Under
Serial Number: 263262
Year of Manufacture: 1932
Gauge: 20 Gauge
Action Type: Top Break Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun with Ejectors, Cocking Indicators and Miller Single Mechanical Trigger (bottom barrel first)
Barrel Length: Both barrel sets are 26" with solid ribs.
Choke: The British proofed barrel is choked approximately Light Modified (0.009") over Improved Cylinder (0.007"), the German proofed barrel Improved Modified (0.020") over Skeet (0.005").
Weight: British Proof barrel installed- 7 lb., 1.4 oz., German Proof barrel installed- 6 lb., 15.6 oz.
Sights / Optics: Each barrel has a red front bead with a yellowish mid-bead, the German proof barrel is a simple bead, the British proof barrel has a base for the bead. Both ribs are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with straight grip, straight comb and brown rubber Pachmayr Old English buttpad. There is an initial plate in the belly engraved "DONATED BY / NAN & FRANK / PACHMAYR / TO / DUCKS UNLIMITED". The checkering has fancy borders with fleur de lis accents in the wrist. The stocks have only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. Drop at heel is approximately 1 1/2", drop at comb 2 1/4", consistent across barrel sets. The cast is neutral. The pad has even light wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as custom made by Pachmayr.
Type of Finish: Blue with Gold Accents
Finish Originality: Original to customization by Pachmayr. The German proof barrel is serial-matched to the receiver, the British proof barrel has no serial marking.
Bore Condition: All of the bores are mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun set retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered minor marks. The British proof barrel set has some spots of minor oxidation, most concealed by the forend when installed. The action shows light operational wear. There is infrequent faint surface erosion under the finish on the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots and are properly timed. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety does not engage automatically, but functions properly when engaged manually. 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: Includes the additional barrel set as described.
Our Assessment: This is a fascinating shotgun which appears to have had a very eventful life, based on its markings. The gun was originally produced by J. P. Sauer and Sohn, a German firm founded in 1751 in Suhl. 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.
At some point, the gun came through the shop of Frank Pachmayr in Los Angeles, customized for Ducks Unlimited. Customization includes a new set of gorgeous stocks with an English straight grip, eschewing the side-panel forend originally installed on the barrels, evidenced by the still-present drilled and tapped holes in the mid-ribs. The English stock is appropriate given that the gun has two barrel sets, one German proofed with matching serial number, choked Improved Modified over Skeet, and the other without any German or Sauer markings, but bearing British proofs, choked Light Modified over Improved Cylinder.
It makes for a beautiful set, chambered for 20 gauge, well balanced and fast-handling at just about 7 pounds. This Pachmayr custom gun will make a wonderful addition to any collection and should serve well dropping flesh or clay birds for years. Please see our photos and good luck!
