SOLD – Rare, Fantastic Luftwaffe Sauer M30 Drilling – Jan Still Collection

11/5/24 – From the famed collection of author Jan Still, this is a rare and desirable Luftwaffe-issued Sauer M30 Drilling in excellent, original condition. One of only ~2,500 produced, the M30 Luftwaffe Drilling (“Drilling” meaning “triplet”) was a Drilling-type Combination gun produced by JP Sauer & Sohn, it was the most finely finished and luxurious survival rifle ever issued by a military force. The commercial quality of the M30 Drilling, the fact that its container and accessories were packed without military acceptance proofs, its limited production and high manufacturing costs, led many historians and arms collectors to conclude that the M30 Luftwaffe Drilling was not routinely issued to Luftwaffe pilots. The head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring, was an avid hunter who often hosted guests at his elaborate hunting lodge, the Carinhall. The M30 Luftwaffe Drilling was possibly ordered through the Luftwaffe by Göring, to be used as gifts for visiting dignitaries, Knight’s Cross holders, Luftwaffe aces, Wehrmacht generals, Nazi officials, and other guests who were invited to his hunting lodge. Luftwaffe general and flying ace Adolf Galland recalled that he and several of his squadron mates were gifted the M30 Luftwaffe Drilling during hunting trips with Göring at the Carinhall. The M30 Luftwaffe Drilling saw use by the German Luftwaffe in World War II, primarily during the North African campaign, where it was used as a survival weapon by some Luftwaffe aircrews. This particular example has fantastic bluing on the barrel, with a lovely case-hardened receiver that shows minor thinning and light oxidation on the tang. All three barrels have minty bores with little to no sign of use. The barrel and stock have sharp Luftwaffe Eagle markings, and the barrel has a manufacture date of ‘941’ on it, or September of 1941. The wood furniture is in great shape with no cracks or notable defects. The listing is accompanied by an original case, which shows natural age and handling wear but is structurally sound. The case includes a manual, sling, and cleaning kit. The listing also includes a certificate of authenticity, verifying the fact that it comes from the collection of Jan Still.

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Jan Charles Still was born April 1, 1941. He passed away on October 24, 2022 in Juneau Alaska. Jan earned a Bachelor’s in mining from University of Washington, where he met his wife, Frances, through the climbing club. They eloped and were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They lived in Wyoming and Colorado where Jan worked as a mining engineer. They climbed peaks together in the wind river and Teton range, and had their first daughter before moving to Alaska. There, they had two more children and settled down to raise their family in Juneau. Jan was world famous for his knowledge of WW1 and WW2 guns and authored a series of historical books on them. His books remain sought after today as some of the best resources available to the collecting community.