J. P. Sauer Single Shot Shotgun

This shotgun was imported into Mexico, where German-made arms were highly valued.

Circa 1875 Sauer (Germany) Pivoting Barrel Rifle (single-shot/ breech-loading/ black powder/ cartridge ammunition) Started in Suhl, Germany in 1854, J. P. Sauer & Sohn became world-famous gunmakers. Eventually, Colt's best rifle, the Colt-Sauer, came to represent the breed in America. Comparing a contemporary Sauer to the Maynard (see Case 45 gun #16) shows that Germanic art included fine-line engraving, which contrasts with the Maynard's plain metal surfaces. The wood, too, shows Maynard to have somewhat less embellishment. Consideration of its gold-inlaid names gives Sauer an edge in refinement, but the Maynard has a quality of functional directness to it that may balance some scales of personal preference. This specimen was imported to Mexico, where appreciation of good German rifles had become a tradition. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #93