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JP Sauer & Sohn, Suhl, Germany (pre-1945). JP Sauer & Sohn, Eckernforde, West Germany (post-1945) This is an old and established company who manufactured the reichsrevolver with V Ch Schilling and CG Haenel early in 1880s. The Model 1913 Sauer, also known as the “old model Sauer” was the first Sauer to be introduced using that company’s name and was also of their own in house design. Prior to this time, only reference to the company has been their trademark on the firearm. The 1913 was the first Sauer pistol to be marked under the company's own name, an estimated 175,000 were manufactured from 1913 to 1930 when the model was discontinued. The 1913 was a blowback design that featured a fixed barrel, coaxial recoil spring, and light tubular slide, with a knurled screw cap at the rear end. The safety catch, which locked the sear and disengaged the trigger when set, was on the left side of the pistol. The magazine was a 7-shot detachable box type, which fitted into the butt. Slide markings included the Sauer company name, stamped on the top rib, the word 'Patent' stamped on the left side, and the caliber stamped on the right side. The left grip carried the word 'Sauer' across the top, and 'CAL 7.65' across the bottom, while the right grip was marked 'S&S' at the top. In 1930, Sauer introduced an improved 7.65mm model which used the same basic design as the 1913. The new model incorporated several internal modifications to improve function and safety. The grip was given a better shape, the trigger was fitted with a small catch which acted as a security lock, a loaded indicator was added which protruded from the rear cap when there was a round in the chamber and the the top rib of the slide was knured to reduce reflections in the sight path. The new model was called the Behorden (Authorities or Official) Model, it was adopted by several German police forces and, in small numbers, it was used as a staff officer's pistol by the Army. The Behorden remained in production from 1930 until 1937. The M1913 was a very well made pistol, even if it was slightly complex. In future years, there should be an excellent collector market for this model. The Vest Pocket Model 1913 is a single action, unlocked blowback, semi-automatic pistol that is striker-activated. It has a seven-shot, detachable box magazine, with a spring-loaded magazine catch at the bottom rear of the grip-frame. The recoil spring is wound axially around the barrel, and the thumb operated safety intercepts the trigger. Take-down is somewhat similar to the Savage, in that the entire breechblock unit is removable from the rear and thus releases the slide to move forward. Take-down is accomplished by pulling the slide all the way to the rear, and above the trigger in the trigger-guard is a small lever, which is pushed upwards, locking the slide in the rear position. On early models, the rear cap unscrews. On later models, the rear sight is depressed to unlock the cap so it may unscrew. The cap is then pulled out with the entire breechblock assembly. When the slide is released by pulling back slightly, it can slide of the forward end of the frame. Almost an exact copy of this pistol but slightly reduced, was made in .25ACP and it is also known as the Model 1913. It is classified as a relic in the USA. (ref. ‘Pistols and revolvers’ - Smith, ‘Price guide for collector handguns’ - R H Balderson p344, ‘Pistols of the world’ by Hogg and Weeks p202/3)

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