Sauer

Sauer & Sohn is a manufacturer of firearms and machinery and is the oldest firearms manufacturer still active in Germany. The products of this company are frequently referred to as Sauer.

The first company was founded in 1751 by Lorenz in Suhl, Thuringia, Germany, this region being known as Waffenstadt Suhl. The Company is the oldest recorded gun maker in Germany. In 1815 Johann-Gottlob started managing the firm; in 1835 Johann Paul became manager. In 1840 that Johann Paul and his son, Lorenz created the new name and trademark of J.P. Sauer & Sohn.

The Company partnered with Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) in 1976 to the design and manufacture a new line of semi-automatic pistols branded as “SIG Sauer”. The partnership was the result of Swiss restrictions on the export of firearms which prevented that company from exporting this new design concept.