Description

Maker: J.P. Sauer & Sohn
Country / Era: Germany, circa 1930–31
Type/Model: Behörden (Behördenmodell)
Caliber: 7.65mm (.32 ACP)
Markings: Prussian Police Starburst K acceptance on left trigger guard; “Police S.B. + Schutzpolizei Berlin” on front strap
Features: Safety trigger; tactile-pin loaded chamber indicator
Grips: Black Bakelite
Condition: About 90% blue
Bore: Excellent
Included: Matching magazine with full serial number, marked “2”; correct spare magazine of the same design; black leather police pattern holster marked “Franz Cobau-1933-Starburst”

This Sauer Behorden is chambered in 7.65mm and was produced around 1930–31. It is Police Starburst K proofed on the left trigger guard and marked “Police S.B. + Schutzpolizei Berlin” on the front strap. It has the proper black Bakelite grips and a matching magazine with the full serial number, marked “2.” The blue rates about 90%, and the bore is excellent. This full rig includes a correct spare magazine of the same design and a black leather police pattern holster marked “Franz Cobau-1933-Starburst” on the front. The holster has a brass closure stud, a rivet and a modified closure strap.

Behördenmodell means “authorities model.” Sauer improved the lockwork of its Model 1913 for police and government use, adding a “safety trigger,” a button on the front of the trigger that must be pressed before the trigger can be pulled. This version also has a tactile-pin loaded chamber indicator: when a round is chambered, a pin protrudes from the rear of the breech cap, so the shooter can feel that the pistol is loaded.

The Schutzpolizei Berlin “S.B.” unit marking has no separate property mark, which some collectors believe may mean the pistol was procured by the Berlin police but never issued.

Fun fact: Of the roughly 35,000 Behördenmodells made, most were sold commercially, exported or issued to other German authorities. Small-arms historians Jan Still and Jim Cate estimate that only a few thousand carry Prussian police acceptance stamps like this pistol’s Starburst K, which makes them a highly exclusive part of the production run.

This pistol is more than 50 years old and is eligible for Curio & Relic (C&R) transfer.

SKU: 15529