As to it being a Model 180E, the "E" will mean ejector and mine is an extractor. My shotgun is a Model VIII. A better grade of this model was known as the Model 18 a.k.a. the "Masterpiece Shotgun". These were worked up in a seprate part of the factory and craftsmanship takes time, which is probably why the serial numbers and proofing dates vary somewhat from the rest of the herd.
Von Lengerke and Detmold of NY (the name on your Sauer top rib), sold fine shotguns but seem to have been brought out by Abercrombie & Fitch in 1928. That's not to say that A&F may not have kept using the von Lengerke name, (that I don't know). It could be also that the shotgun you have was already on consignment but took several years for the full order to be completed and delivered and the von Lengerke company in the mean time transfered to A&F. The latter company would have simply sold it along with Francotte and other brands they handled.
