Help dating a Sauer&Sohn 20-ga.

[JagerzuPferde]

I'm new to the forum and am trying to determine the manufacture date of an old quail gun I've had for years. It's a Sauer&Sohn 20-ga (Model 60?) boxlock with extractors, sling swivels and Monte Carlo stock. Trouble is the ser. no. is 28xxx. I've been told on other forums that 5-digit serial nos. can't be found. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,
JzP

 

[testar77]

Man I know some people LOVE their guns, but Dating them...............that's just wrong!!!!!!!!!! Sorry couldn't resist

 

[JagerzuPferde]

Obviously, sir, you have never met my wife!

 

[SDC]

About the only info you're going to be able to find is if it's a pre-war or post-war; pre-WW2 Sauers were all made at Suhl, but after WW2, that factory was taken over by the East Germans who continued operating it as the VEB Ernst Thalmann company, so they could raise foreign currency. In 1951, the surviving Sauer family sold the production rights to guns under their name to a conglomerate in West Germany, so the proofs and factory markings should give you a general idea.