Manufactured c.1930s, this shotgun is attributed as part of the personal collection of Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring. Goring was known as a devoted hunter and to have maintained two separate hunting lodges, Emmyhall in Eastern Prussia named for his second wife Emmy Sonnemann, the "First Lady of the Third Reich", as well Carinhall north-east of Berlin named for his first wife Carin. As one of the leaders of the National Socialist party, Goring plundered countless valuable from across Europe and stored them at Carinhall as part of his personal collection, which included many fine arms. Goring's love of sporting arms carried over into his role as head of the Luftwaffe, where he was directly involved in the issuing of the M30 Survival Drillings to aircraft crews, unarguably the finest survival arm ever to see military service, as well as presenting arms as gifts to distinguished soldiers and friends, as is likely the case of the J. P. Sauer Over/Under Shotgun Lot 426 in this auction. Included with the gun is a signed and notarized letter from Peter Stepanek, one of the original "Ritchie Boys" and Head of Eastern European Intelligence for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) by the end of World War II. The explains how he obtained this gun from the Goring's collection after forming a relationship during his interrogation for the Nuremberg trials post WWII. The gun was given to Stepanek due to his great love of hunting arms. The gun came from the hunting lodge of Baron von Schutzel where it was being stored for Goring's use at the time, as it was, according to Stepanek, Goring's favorite 16 gauge. Also included is a copy of Stepanek's eulogy and a number of photos from his time in the service. The gun was built with blued Krupp steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted concave solid rid, Kettner markings on either barrel, light engraving at the breech, front sling swivel, period proof marks, choke constrictions of .034/.030 inches, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action with clipped fence and Greener crossbolt, which displays floral and scroll engraving and featuring cocking indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted manual safety. The gun is fitted with a lightly figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved forend iron and a pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, engraved steel grip cap, absent rear sling stud hole, and horn buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 11/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Fine, retaining 90% original blue finish, smooth grey patina on the action with some protective varnish, and mostly brown patina toward the breech. The refinished wood is good with dings and scratches, some edge chipping, some smoothed checkering, and a layer of varnish. Mechanically excellent.