Page 359 - 4094-BOOK1
P. 359
357
LOT 427
World War II German Berlin-
Lubecker “duv 43” Code G41
Semi-Automatic Rifle - Serial no. 9038e,
7.92 mm Mauser cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, laminate stock. This excellent World War II
German military Berlin-Lubecker G41 semi-automatic rifle was manufactured in 1943, prior to the introduction
of the G43 rifle. The G41 was one of the only production model semi-automatic rifles to use the “gas trap” system, as opposed
to the gas port used on the G43, which has become the de-facto standard for gas-operated weaponry from World War II up through
the modern day. The barrel has the standard blade front and tangent rear sights, the model “G.41” and “duv 43” Berlin-Lubecker manufacturer code markings on the left side of the finely
machined receiver, machined metal dust cover, machined bolt carrier with a solid cocking knob, a left side mounted bolt catch, and “eagle/214” Waffenamts on various components and an “eagle/
WaA251” Waffenamt above “jwh” on the left of the recoil bolt. Fitted with a smooth laminated pistol grip stock with “eagle/WaA214” and “eagle/214” stamps on the right side, the matching serial number
stamped on bottom of the buttstock, a resin handguard, cupped stamped steel buttplate, and fitted with a period brown leather sling. All matching visible serial numbers on the components.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish on the barreled action, refinished bolt carrier and barrel jacket, some areas of minor scattered surface freckling and handling marks, smooth brown
patina on the balance concentrated mostly on the trigger guard and edges of the magazine housing, and otherwise minimal signs of use. The stock and handguard are also very fine with distinct edges, a
few light handling marks, a few minor hairline cracks ahead of the buttplate, and crisp stamps. Mechanically excellent. This World War II Berlin-Lubecker G41 rifle would make a fine addition to any advanced
military arms collection!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 426
Rare World War II German Luftwaffe Marked J.P. Sauer & Sohn
Over/Under Shotgun - Serial no. 294295, 12 gauge, 26 7/8 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in February of 1940, this is a rare World War II German Luftwaffe
marked J.P. Sauer & Sohn over/under 12 gauge shotgun, with the
Luftwaffe eagle stamped on the right side breech area of the upper
barrel and also on the right of the buttstock. The amount of these
made is unconfirmed, and this shotgun was possibly intended as
a gift by Hermann Goering to an officer, ace pilot or high ranking
individual of the Luftwaffe. Hermann Goering was known to have rewarded
individuals for their loyalty with guns, such as one like this, and hunting trips at
his lodge. It may have also been used for trap shooting, which was an obligatory
exercise to sharpen the eyes and reflexes of the Luftwaffe fighter pilots. This rare
over/under shotgun may be a precursor to the Luftwaffe contract J.P. Sauer & Sohn
M30 survival drillings, of which 2,500 were manufactured a year later in 1941. Rock
Island Auction Company previously sold a similarly Luftwaffe marked Merkel over/
under shotgun (Auction 89, Lot 3366), differing from this J.P. Sauer & Sohn manufactured example. This is the only example of a J.P. Sauer &
Sohn manufactured Luftwaffe marked over/under shotgun known to have been sold by Rock Island Auction Company. The barrel assembly
beneath the forearm is marked with the matching serial number “294295”, the J.P. Sauer & Sohn logo, “12/70m/m” along with an “eagle/N”
firing proof, “Suhl” above a logo and “240” (February 1940) date code. Matching serial number “295” marked inside the forend attaching iron.
Solid rib barrels with a single front bead. Scalloped action with Kersten cross-bolt, double triggers, and a manual tang safety. The stock and forearm are of finely
checkered first grade European walnut, with a hard rubber buttplate. Includes period photographs of Luftwaffe officers and a pilot handling a similar shotgun to the one being
offered. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): chambers marked 2 3/4 inches; bore diameter nine inches from the breech .725/.724 inches; choke constriction .010/.021 inches;
minimum wall thickness .029/.034 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel with a few light handling marks, and 40% vivid original case colors showing on the frame with
areas fading to smooth gray patina on the balance, and some surface freckling on the triggers. Trigger guard is refinished. Wood is fine as lightly sanded and refinished, with a
faint Luftwaffe eagle stamp visible on the right of the buttstock, a few scattered light scratches and handling marks, a few small cracks visible in the front tip of the forearm, and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. This
exceptionally rare World War II German Luftwaffe marked J.P. Sauer & Sohn over/under shotgun would make a very fine addition to any German military arms collection!
Provenance: The Thomas Whiteman Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000