doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com .43 Mauser

OK! I picked the J P Sauer & Sohn hammer Cape Gun up today and all appears to be in good order. After reviewing all the markings on the gun I have a few questions.

Below the 1527XX serial number on the rifle barrel and next to the German proof stamp (eagle) there is a number: 1 33 9. I'm thinking this may be the date code for Jan.9th 1933. Seems late production for a hammer gun in an obsolete 1871 black powder cartridge. Is that right?

The rifle side of the barrel flats is stamped 10.8 MM. That's right for a .43 Mauser, I hope? Just thought I'd ask before I cut loose with live ammo.

I was going to ask how the set-trigger arrangement works on these things, but the seller helpfully cleared that up for me. You PUSH the front trigger forward till it sets, DUMMY, and the back trigger has nothing to do with it. Glad I didn't embarrass myself by asking that question here. There is a small screw right behind the rifle (front) trigger blade. I figure that must be for adjustment of the trigger pull, right?

The shotgun barrel is marked NITRO. It has 2.5" chambers, and the barrel is shiney and unpitted inside or out. I'm thinking I can safely shoot any CIP loaded modern shells in it?...Geo

Mr. Newbern:

I'm not sure of the 1 33 9 date. Offically, proofhouse dating didn't occur until Sept. 1923. Considering the serial number, I'd guess a date for the Cape to be the start of WWI. The single set trigger is of French origin and is referred to as a French stecher and yes the set screw is for tension. Any other marks near the 10.8mm? There's a whole family of 11mm so a chamber cast may be in order.

I checked Mr. Cate's book and 152,769 was a combo with 16 over 11mm Mauser marked 10.7mm 1912-1914.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse