Make: J. P. Sauer & Sohn
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: 167914
Year of Manufacture: 1891-1912
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 1/2" over 9x74mmR
Action Type: Sidelock Drilling With Extractor, Dual Triggers, Cocking Indicators, Tang Mounted Selector, Side Mounted Safety, and Front Set Trigger
Barrel Length: 27 1/2"
Choke: Both Full, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade fixed to the top of the barrel rib. The rear sight is a folding "U"-notch in a base held in the rib by a wedge screwed in front. The rear sight flips up automatically when the rifle barrel is selected.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, basketweave-textured horn buttplate, trapdoor in the belly over a compartment for four rifle cartridges, and a sling swivel mounted to the trapdoor assembly, there is another swivel mounted to the bottom of the rifle barrel in front of the forend. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a little more notable wear at the right-rear of the buttstock. The checkering shows handling wear, but is generally well defined. There are a few tiny cracks and losses around the edges of the wrist. The LOP measures 13 3/4" and 12 3/4" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with a small loss at the toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: The receiver's Case Color is Original, the barrels have been Refinished
Bore Condition: The rifle bore is gray with well defined rifling, having scattered light-moderate erosion and light pitting. The shotgun bores are gray with scattered erosion and pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate about 5/10.
Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have generally strong finish with infrequent light wear, some light nicks and scratches, and light wear from the forend, concealed when assembled. The right shotgun barrel has a slight plum hue. The receiver has some strong color, mostly in protected areas, with other areas muted or worn bright. The guard has wear in the tang. There is infrequent minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some proof/inspection marks are worn. Overall, this drilling is in Very Good condition as partially refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this drilling. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a leather sling.
Our Assessment: The European hunting culture brought out a gun that like no other reflects the ingenuity and the art of gun making at its best, the drilling. The Sauer and 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 is a J. P. Sauer and Sohn drilling chambered for 12 Gauge and 9.3x74mmR. The European craftsmanship is on full display, the checkered walnut stocks, trapdoor compartment for extra rifle cartridges, and well-executed scroll engraving come together for a wonderfully elegant offering. Its appearance is enhanced by mechanical features such as its rear sight, which pops-up when the rifled barrel is selected and front single-set trigger for use with the rifle barrel, though it will also set when the right shotgun barrel is selected. This drilling is in Very Good overall condition, having had its barrels refinished but retaining original case color on its receiver. The bores show erosion consistent with the gun's age and likely use with corrosive primers. It will display well as-is, but would also be a great project to restore and get back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!
