This World War II Luftwaffe M 30 Drilling was manufactured by J.P. Sauer and Sohn. This scarce, high grade Sauer Drilling was issued in limited quantities to Luftwaffe aircrews in North Africa during 1942-43 as a survival weapon. The combination rifle and shotgun featured a Greener cross bolt action with 12 gauge side by side barrels and a 9.3X74R lower rifle barrel. A Greener type safety is located on the left side of the action. The drilling has dual triggers; when the barrel selector on the tang is moved forward a rifle sight on the ribs is elevated and the forward, single-set trigger fires the rifle barrel. The rear trigger fires the left barrel which is regulated to shoot Brenneke slugs to the rifle sight's point of aim. Moving the selector switch to the rear allows the front trigger to fire the right shotgun barrel; all three barrels can be fired without lowering the gun. The blue barrel group has a matted rib, a rifle front sight with silver bead and a sling swivel on the rifle barrel. The receiver, trigger guard and furniture have a casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The European walnut stock and forearm are oil finished with fine checkered panels. The stock has an oval cheekpiece on the left side and is fitted with a casehardened pistol grip cap, a sling swivel and a black plastic, serrated buttplate embossed with the Sauer "SS" monogram. The right side of the stock and right barrel chamber are stamped with large Luftwaffe eagle and swastika insignia. A Luftwaffe "Stick Eagle/2" acceptance mark is stamped on the top of the forward barrel locking lug. The receiver, trigger guard, pistol grip cap, forend latch and receiver screws are highlighted with simple, well-executed scroll engraving. The Sauer "SS" monogram is boldly stamped on the underside of the receiver. Smaller "SS" markings are located on the right receiver rail and on the side of the rifle barrel chamber. An oval panel in the barrel rib is engraved with the rifle caliber "9,3 x 74.R". The legend "J.P. SAUER & SOHN, SUHL" is on both sides of the receiver and on the breeches of both shotgun barrels. The top of the shotgun barrel chambers and the left side of the rifle barrel are marked: "KRUPP-LAUFSTHAL" with a shell motif at either end of the legend. The full serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver rail and on the underside of the rifle barrel. The partial serial number "5863" is stamped on the inside of the forearm. All of the serial numbers match. The "Eagle/N" proof mark is stamped on the underside of both shotgun chambers, on the left side of the rifle barrel chamber and on the right receiver rail. The shotgun barrel chambers are stamped with the gauge "12/65", and the rifle chamber is stamped with the caliber "9,3X74R". The drilling is complete with the original aluminum storage case. The case has a leather luggage type handle, two steel latches and exterior painted a dark Luftwaffe gray. The lid is stenciled: "Drilling M.30/mit Munition und Zubehor/ce" in three lines. The case interior has a natural aluminum finish and has wooden, felt covered, partitions to retain the drilling and accessories. A list of the contents is stenciled on the inside of the lid. The case is complete with: (1) reproduction manual entitled "Drilling M.30" (2) scarce, original russet leather sling (3) two sealed, 10-round cartons of FN rifle cartridges (4) and a large carton of Russian 12 gauge shells. Also included with the group is an 8x10-inch photo of Reichmarschall Herman Goering and a copy of a U.S. capture certificate dated February 14, 1946. The certificate lists "1 German Rifle, 2 Bayonets (sic) and 1 sword" with no serial numbers or other details.

Very fine. The drilling shows light to moderate handling wear. The barrel retains nearly 95% of the original blue finish with some thinning above the forearm and scattered scratches and scuff marks. The casehardened finish is beginning to thin and fading to silver on contact points. The portions of the receiver with less handling wear retain strong case colors. The stock and forearm are in fine reoiled condition. The checkered surfaces show moderate handling wear and there are several minor dents on the stock and forearm. There is a small chip missing from the right side of stock where the stock meets the frame. The Luftwaffe eagle on the stock shows some handling wear. The barrel and receiver markings are crisp. The case is in very good overall condition and retains most of the original dark gray paint. The interior is in excellent condition. The leather handle has split through but is still complete. The scarce sling is in fine condition. This is a very fine example of a high grade J.P. Sauer drilling issued to an elite Luftwaffe aircrew.