GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
EXCEPTIONAL J. P. SAUER MODEL 18 "MEISTERWERK" GOLD INLAID PIGEON/ HEAVY GAME GUN WITH TWO SETS OF BARRELS AND CASE.J.P. SAUERSXS MODEL 18179756/712 GAMODERN; C&RCal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. (Extractors are stamped "70".) Two sets of chopper lump bbls, one 26-3/4" and the other 29-1/2", are fitted with slightly raised, matted, pigeon ribs with faux ivory beads. Square shouldered dolls head rib extensions are gold inlaid "I" and "II", and per Sauer practice, each bbl set has its own SN. 29-1/2" Bbl (I), are SN 179756, and 26-3/4" (II) are "179757". Rear portions of ribs are semi-relief engraved with perched pigeons. Milled out portions are engraved with agent's name, "Ad. Voelker, Buenos Aires, San Martin 379." Tops of each bbl are marked with Krupp three ring logos and steel type. Breech ends are engraved with 1-1/2" very well cut, shaded scroll, and "J. P. Sauer & Sohn, Suhl". Bbl flats are stamped with pre WWI vintage German imperial proofs. Coin finished, scallop-backed, boxlock action has safety blocked to prevent accidental engagement when target shooting. It also features Greener crossbolt third fastener, side clips, vented breeches, raised rib cocking indicators on sides, and dbl triggers with checkered blades (front trigger "loose" to prevent bumping trigger finger). Action is engraved with near full coverage of an exceptionally well cut mix of sprawling oak leaves with shaded scroll background. This unusual treatment surrounds wonderfully detailed scenes of flying pigeons on each side of action. Pigeons are gold inlaid in full relief, and they fly through a background of nicely rendered branches and foliage. "J. P. Sauer & Sohn" is at the bottom of each side. Fences are deeply relief carved in foliate manner. Spaces between leaves are gold inlaid with acanthus accents. Blued top lever and trigger guard have matching oak leaves and scroll. SN is at grip, which is double numbered with the last two digits of extra set of bbls. Dark and dense European walnut straight grip buttstock has striking whorled marbling, and some fine figure. It measures 14-3/4" over open sided Pachmayr white line pad which appears to be fitted to orig curve. Flat top point pattern checkering with mullered borders is at grip. A vacant silver oval is on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend fits both bbl sets, has inset schnabeled horn tip, and Deeley release. Bbl set "I": Bore diameter: left - .722, right -.722. Bore restrictions: left -.020 (Mod), right -.012 (lt mod). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.035. Drop at heel: 2-1/16", drop at comb: 1-11/16". Weight: 7 lbs. 13 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Bbl set "II": Bore diameter: left - .732, right -.735. Bore restrictions: left -.009 (IC), right -.005 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.022, right -.026. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/4". Weight: 7 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Possibly orig, old high quality oak and leather case with shaped brass corners and central German silver rectangle, is lined in purple velvet. Case has space for action and both sets of bbls. Case contains a round H&H marked oil bottle and old ebony handled "bow tie" set of turnscrews,. CONDITION: Good, as refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a fine quality rust blue, engraving slightly softened. Action has been cleaned to coin finish, engraving still very fine, slightly softened, especially on bottom. Stocks retain nearly all of an old hand rubbed oil finish, a bit dry, with some light marks. Bores are very fine, lightly frosted, with some light scratches. Action is very slightly loose with both bbl sets. Bbls are slightly off face. Ejectors are in time. Trigger pulls are light. Case leather is dark, with many heavy scuffs and rubs. Handle is detached, with hardware in case. Replacement straps are good. Interior cloth is good, with many rubs and compressions. Action area has some missing blocks and other rubs. 50448-1 MGM133 (6,000-10,000)