JP Sauer & Sohn 7,65

All this 'gun talk' over at Longrange got me thinking about an old gun my husband has, which I always thought was just a piece of junk basically - he's a type who saves EVERYTHING. Anyhow, I examined it and did a little Internet research, and it turns out it may be quite the collectors item. The ivory grip indicates that it was probably issued to a German Officer in WWII:

"The Sauer model 38H or often just H was a small semiautomatic pistol made in Nazi Germany from 1938 until just after the end of World War II by the prestigious firm J.P. Sauer und Sohn, then based in Suhl, Germany. The "H" in the model number denoted 'hammerless.'.....

..... Sauer developed the 38H from their earlier semi-automatic pistols. It was necessary to compete with companies such as Mauser on the commercial market. However, with the outbreak of the war, most pistols went to various German police agencies, often equipped with a black leather holster. These guns were stamped by those agencies and some can still be found with the holster and additional magazine with which they were distributed. Sauer 38H pistols presented to Nazi officials usually featured custom engraving, ivory grips, and often gold inlay as well. For example, in September 2004 the Rock Island Auction Company sold a Sauer 38H, serial number 363573, that belonged to S.S. Colonel-General Joseph "Sepp" Dietrich for $43,125.00."

Notice the 'iron eagle' below the serial number and also on the barrel.

Isn't the Internet terrific? You can find almost anything you're looking for. My mother gave me some silverware which belonged to my grandparents many, many years ago. One quick Internet search told me everything I wanted to know about them!!! Too cool:>D