Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn

Model: Boxlock Double Rifle

Serial Number: 197566

Year of Manufacture: 1891-1912

Caliber: 8x57mm JRS

Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side Double Rifle, Extractor, Dual Single-Set Triggers, Cocking Indicators and Manual Safety

Barrel Length: 24 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade set in the front of the solid rib. The rear sight has one fixed and one folding "U"-notch, marked 80 and 175 respectively, in a base dovetailed to the rear of the rib. The top tang features a folding aperture sight, fine-adjustable for elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with horn-tipped splinter forend, horn guard, steel capped pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, trapdoor assembly in the belly with sling swivel and storage for four cartridges. The buttplate appears to be a Browning textured black synthetic which has had its brand marking removed from the face. There are some scattered marks, most notable in the forend checkering. The left of the wrist has a grain-line crack at the center point of the receiver scallop with a couple of other tiny cracks on the right. The finish shows infrequent crazing with some minor finish loss at edges. The checkering is generally well defined. The LOP measures 14" and 13 1/8" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear in the center where the brand marking was removed. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as restored.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 7-8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. There is light handling wear on the barrels over the forend. The receiver has a little muting. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Sauer & 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 example of their work is a boxlock double rifle chambered for 8x57mm JRS, essentially a rimmed version of the 8mm Mauser cartridge. The gun appears to have seen gentle use over the last 110+ years, retaining original metal finish and serial-matching parts, quite nice bores and mechanics given the age, and restored stocks with a replacement buttplate. For Sauer & Sohn collectors, this is a neat field gun from pre-World War production that will add nicely to a collection. It also may be worth getting back out in the field. Please see our pictures and good luck!