I'm looking at a picture of JP Sauer barrels marked Eckernförde (post-WWII) with serial number 750xx; proofs unknown. What year(s) would that be? I suspect 1950s but I'm not familiar with Sauer serials. Thank you.
With kind regards,
Jani

Don't mean to hijack Jani's post, but coincidentally I'm also looking at a Sauer and am surprised to discover how little information is available. Blue Book of course offers no information, but neither do any of my other books. In his German guns chapter, McIntosh shows a pic of a Sauer, but the text says absolutely nothing about them. I'm specifically looking at what seems to be a high-condition, field grade-type, 2 7/8-in. 10-bore boxlock with high quality clues like locking screws. Serial no. is 132,XXX. My intuition tells me this is a nice, unmessed-with turn-of-the-century waterfowler, but I can find nothing to guide me. Thoughts? TT

Look on the barrel flats. There should be either three or four consecutive numbers (sometimes separated, but not the last two numbers).
Three numbers may be something like, 563; April 1963 or four numbers 1061, Oct. 1961.

Two Triggers, if the gun is as early as you think the numerical date stamp may not be there. Show us photos of the proof markings on the barrel flats, barrels forward of the flats, action flat and any markings on the upper rib/barrels. From the marks there it is usually pretty easy to determine a general time frame. Also good photo of the action and engraving will generally tell which model Sauer it is. Nice thing about German guns is the proof marks are pretty specific to period and can usually tell you everything you need about the guns original production.

Two Triggers...if you decide to pass on the Sauer 10 Gauge please email me the sellers contact info as I have been looking for a sauer 10 gauge as well Thanks! J.Stephens email: sauercollector@hotmail.com

(Note: Dave W. Will get his due if anything transpires!)