Unceta Astra Model 900 7.63x25mm .30 Mauser Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1929 C&R

Sold For: $3,175

LSB#: 200909DW06

Make: Astra

Model: 900

Serial Number: 24466

Year of Manufacture: 1929 (* / C date code)

Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser)

Action Type: Internal Magazine Fed Short-Recoil Operated, Semi-Automatic Pistol

Markings: The sideplate is marked “”ASTRA” AUTOMATIC PISTOL CAL 7.63 / PATENTED JULY, 12. 1928″, the left of the frame below the sideplate is marked “24466”. The right of the frame is marked above the grip with Spanish proofs and “*  / C” date code. The right of the barrel at the rear and its extension at the front each have a Spanish proof mark. The bottom of the bolt’s right grasping knob, the side of the magazine follower, the top of the magazine floorplate, the inside of the sideplate, the bottom of the barrel extension, the barrel pin, and the top of the locking block are each marked “466”. The sideplate pin is marked “956”, the safety is marked “56”. The front face of the magazine well is marked “#200511”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notched arm with a slider, having graduated markings from 50 to 1000 meters pinned to a base integral to the barrel extension.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece walnut panels with 12 grooves on each panel. The grips have minor handling wear with well defined serrations and no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Some Part Fire-Blued or Bright

Finish Originality: Finish is original to the parts, markings indicate that the safety and sideplate pin may be replacements.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the top of the front sight. The action has minor operational wear. There are light handling marks. Much like the Mauser C96, the sides of the frame under the grips were left rough showing deep forging pores when the grips are removed. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has a smooth takeup with just a hint of creep before the sear breaks. The barrel extension has very little play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a brown leather flap holster with shoulder strap and two integral clip-pouches with pull-tabs and snap-top flaps. The holster has scattered light wear, some spots of discoloration and intact stitching, in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: From a distance, it would be easy to mistake this for a Broomhandle Mauser. As one looks closer, the pins visible on the side of the frame and the lack of a detachable lock-frame on the rear certainly make it clear that you’re looking at something different. Once you take the sideplate off, you’ll realize that the Astra 900 is a whole different design which shares the form of the earlier Mauser pistol. The physical appearance was already iconic due to use in the Great War, the Russian Revolution, and in the various conflicts which wracked China in the early 20th Century. In order to get in on the sales, there were a couple of Spanish companies, including Unceta or “Astra” who put their own designs inside a frame which has a strong external resemblance to the Mauser pistol. This example is in very high condition, not only for such an old gun, but especially for a model which typically saw extensive use in unhealthy environments. There is an interesting number marking on the front of the magazine well which should make for a fun research project, and the pistol has only a couple of small numbered parts which have been replaced. The pistol comes with a nice holster and should make for a good shooter, as well. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R Pistol CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California and CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.

Unceta Astra Model 900 7.63x25mm .30 Mauser Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1929 C&R
Unceta Astra Model 900 7.63x25mm .30 Mauser Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1929 C&R