Very few Model 1913 pistols would have been marked by paramilitary groups or organizations of this period. Usually this marking is no more than a series of numbers above another series of numbers, such as 23 over 12. These are found usually on the left side of frame next to left grip. Most of these numbers are indicative of property numbers assigned to a particular pistol belonging to a particular SA Group, Stahlhelm or right-wing organization such as Red Front (early communist). Any pistol of this type should be examined by an expert to determine if it is an original example.

This particular pistol must be divided into three (3) sub-variations. This variation appears to be in a serial number range of its own. First sub-variation appears to run from 1 to 40000. It is highly doubtful if this quantity was manufactured. Second sub-variation incorporates a Zusatzsicherung or Additional Safety which can be seen between the normal safety lever and top of the left grip. It locked the trigger bar when in use. This second range appears to run from approximately serial number 40000 to 51000 which probably was continuous in the number produced. Lastly, third sub-variation examples were manufactured during or after 1926. Trigger guard has a different shape; slide has a greater area of vertical milled finger grooves; added Additional safety (Zusatzsicherung) now acts as the hold open device as well. These are found up to approximately 57000. Then a few examples of the first sub-variation are found from 57000 up to about 62500. This was, no doubt, usage of remaining parts. NOTE: Any commercial pistol could be special ordered with a factory nickel finish, special grip material (pearl, wood, etc.) as well as different types of engraving. It would be in your best interest to have these pistols examined by an expert.

Several variations of vest pocket pistols were manufactured. First was called Model 1920 by the Sauer firm. We usually refer to it as Model 1924. Pistol, as well as all other W.T.M. examples, were designed to carry in your pocket. Quite small in size and found only in 6.35mm or .25 ACP caliber. Later in 1928, an updated version became available and was referred to as Model 1928. These differed in internal parts design and slide configuration. Bottom of grip marked "Cal.6.35.28.". Last version appeared in 1933 and still utilized same grips, but trigger and other small parts differed. All three were available in blue or nickel finish, engraving and fancy grip material. Very few Model 1933 had stainless steel (NIROSTA marked) barrels.

After the war was over, many surplus German weapons were put back into use by the government of Norway. Germans had occupied this country and large numbers of weapons remained when the fighting ended. This included a large number of surplus Sauer pistols being utilized by the police (POLITI) forces. Most of the Sauers that were used by the Politi, which have been imported into the U.S. have been Model 1913; however, there were a number of Model 1930 pistols which reached our country as well. All examples, regardless of model, have the word POLITI stamped on the slide as well as a rampant lion on a shield under a crown marking. Following this is the property number. This number is also stamped into the left side of the frame. Most saw much usage during the post-war period. All are in 7.65mm caliber.

This variation's name comes from actual Sauer factory records found in the Suhl Archive. An interim pistol produced during 1926 to early 1929 period. Found only in 7.65mm caliber. This was an advancement of the normal 1913 design, which included changes in: (1) safety lever's design that became a slide hold open device as well; (2) shape of the frame was altered in that the triggerguard became more streamlined and the rear of frame was shortened and serrations were added to the slide as well as cocking knob. These are found in 162000 to 169000 range in relatively small clusters. Two to four thousand are presumed to have been manufactured. A scarce Sauer pistol! To date, none have been seen in nickel.

Serrations on front and rear of slide.

"Cal. 6.35.28" on black Bakelite grips.

Different type of trigger. Found in 253000 to early 254000 serial number range. Note: Add $200 factory nickel; $250 factory engraving; $250 exotic grip material; $500 factory paper box with cleaning brush, extra magazine and brochure; $750 in original factory imitation leather covered metal presentation case with accessories; $500 NIROSTA marked stainless barrel.