Sauer Drilling 16 ga / 9.3x72R Year of Manufacture?

[19_A_CPT]

Good Morning Gents,

Had a question about an old J.P Sauer style drilling. In every instance it appears to be a JP Sauer without actually saying the brand name anywhere on it.

It is a 16 gauge over a 9.3x72R hammered version and has the claw style scope bases (original?)

My question is.... When did Sauer quit producing the hammered versions and go entirely to non-hammered? and..... anyway to tell the year of manufacture by the serial number? 12326

I assume around 1925 or so, but just curious if anybody on here could pin it down for me?

 

[19_A_CPT]

Here are a few pictures

 

[Troubleshooter]

19_A_CPT: I cannot comment on a "J.P. Sauer style drilling" but on an actual J.P. Sauer manufactured after 1891 there should be a 3- or 4-digit number stamped on the underside of the barrel which indicates the month that it went through the proof-house. See for example, the markings on this drilling "337" which indicates that it was proofed in the 3rd month (i.e., March) of 1937.

You should also look at the specific proof-marks themselves, which will indicate whether it was proofed in Germany or elsewhere. German firearms were required by law to be proofed starting in 1892. Is the drilling currently in your possession, or is it something that you are considering purchasing from an online auction? A clear photo showing the proof-marks on the barrels would help.

This website may be of some help to you:

Gun Indentification

Gun Identification Introduction to German Hunting Gun IdentificationBy Dietrich Apel It is not as easy to identify a German made gun as identifying a gun made in the USA, and the following articles explain why. Even the most knowledgeable collectors and gun owners are often scratching their...

www.germanhuntingguns.com

 

[19_A_CPT]

It is currently in transit to me. I bought it off of the Gun Ebay (Gunbroker) and regardless of year, I bought it for the authenticity factor and a conservation piece. I will report back one i receive it in my possession.