You should definitely keep that gun as a family heirloom. Per the serial number list I have from a Double Gun Journal article, 1908 is the correct year of production.
The fact that the gun does not have "Made in Prussia" would indicate that it was not made for export. Do you have any idea where and how your grandfather acquired the gun? Guns in Germany were confiscated by US occupying forces after WWII. Some of them ended up coming home in duffel bags. At any rate, the gun was likely initially acquired in Germany after which it made its way to the US.
looking at photos from the DGJ articles, your Sauer is not one of the really high grades. The higher grades would have had a scalloped receiver rather than the straight line back which yours has. Going higher grade still, those guns had incredible deep relief game scene engraving. But yours is clearly not just an entry level gun either, as indicated by the engraving. As Ed pointed out, the Greener side safety is somewhat unusual on a Sauer. The closest I can come to a possible model match for yours would be a Model VIII. Same cocking indicators. Same straight backed receiver.
I'm sure you may read more from Sauer collectors. Enjoy your gun! My very first classic sxs was a Sauer from the between the wars years. Far more basic than yours. No matter the grade, Sauers of the vintage of your gun were all very well made. Enjoy it!
Last edited by L. Brown; 10/20/23 04:32 PM.
